The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Mr Edward Davey)
In advance of the forthcoming Energy Council in Brussels on 9 December, I am writing to outline the agenda items to be discussed.
Under the first item on the agenda the Italian presidency has suggested a policy debate on the main issues essential for the governance of the 2030 climate and energy framework to ensure that the EU meets its energy policy goals. The UK will be arguing for a flexible, light-touch approach and working to ensure that the system does three key things: ensure that credible national plans are in place; enable effective monitoring of our collective progress towards EU energy goals; and respect national flexibility over choice of measures.
The Council will then be asked to adopt conclusions on the completion of the internal energy market, reaffirming the need for effective and consistent implementation and application of the third energy package by all member states and the timely adoption of network codes and guidelines. The Council will agree on the need for more investment in strategic infrastructure and a follow-up review of progress by the Commission by 2016. The UK agrees that more needs to be done by member states to complete the single market and that particular priority needs to be given to the facilitation of new interconnection and investment projects.
As part of the mid-term assessment of the “Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth” all relevant Council formations are being consulted. Ministers in the Energy Council will be asked to debate the contribution of the energy sector to the 2020 economic reform strategy.
The Commission and presidency will then report on developments in external energy relations, including agreement on the terms of winter gas supplies between Russia and Ukraine, facilitated by the EU.
Finally, the Latvian delegation will inform the Council of the priorities for their presidency in the first half of 2015. They intend to focus on competitiveness and growth, the digital agenda and the EU as a global player.