-
.
- Русский
The Director General of the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, Mr Marios Panagidis, participated in the work of the EU Energy Council held yesterday in Luxembourg.
Member States held lengthy consultations on the Council's General Approach proposal for the Review of the EU Electricity Market Design. The proposal aims to accelerate the penetration of renewable energy sources, gradually reduce the use of fossil fuels, better protect consumers from future price increases and possible market manipulation, and make EU industry more competitive. Consultations will continue in the coming days with the aim of reaching agreement on the final aspects of the proposal.
In his intervention, Panagides said that Cyprus agrees with the Presidency's compromise proposal, while he particularly thanked the Presidency for the inclusion of specific provisions that recognise the specificities of Cyprus' electricity distribution system, due to its energy isolation. It also supported the proposals concerning the application of a cap on revenues from sub-regional technologies, more flexibility for member states to activate in case of an energy crisis.
Further, Cyprus raised the issue of the construction and expected operation of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant on the southern coast of Turkey. Panagides pointed out that the nuclear power plant is located in an earthquake-prone area and a short distance from Cyprus, while there is a lack of communication on the security situation with regard to the nuclear power plant from the Turkish authorities to the Republic of Cyprus. He called on the Commission to encourage Turkey to bring its legislation into line with the European nuclear safety acquis and to accede immediately to the relevant international conventions. Furthermore, it called for transparency, exchange of information and close monitoring of the implementation of the stress tests and related recommendations to Turkey in order to ensure nuclear safety in accordance with the highest international standards. Cyprus' intervention received broad support from Member States. In parallel, Lithuania raised the issue of the start-up of the second nuclear power plant unit in Belarus, also receiving broad support from Member States. The Commission assured Cyprus and Lithuania that it attaches the utmost importance to nuclear safety issues and that it is closely monitoring the issues concerning these two nuclear power plants.
The Council also discussed the promotion of the EU's international cooperation in the field of energy, the EU's readiness to meet the energy needs of the coming winter, while the incoming Spanish Presidency presented its work programme.
(BPA/NG/EXP)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
