Highlights from the Energy Council held in Luxembourg on 25 June 2019

Main results

Council conclusions on the future of energy systems in the Energy Union

The Council adopted a set of conclusions on the future of energy systems in the Energy Union. They identify priorities and principles for future policy-making aimed at ensuring the energy transition towards an affordable, safe, competitive, secure and sustainable energy system.

The conclusions we have agreed today provide a vision for energy policy in the EU to 2030 and beyond. We have particularly emphasised the importance of focussing our efforts and increasing investment in the areas of infrastructure, innovative technologies and sector coupling and integration. At the same time, we have to make sure that citizens and businesses lie at the heart of the energy transition process by ensuring social acceptance and international competitiveness. It is now up to the Commission to take this forward when making new proposals in the energy field. Anton Anton, Romanian Minister of Energy and chair of the Council

External energy relations

The Council was informed about recent developments in the field of external energy relations. Following this, energy ministers held an exchange of views on the topic, which was guided by a background note provided by the Presidency.

The discussion was fruitful and constructive. We have to continue engaging with our major partners in order to promote clean energy transition. We also addressed the ongoing modernisation of the Energy Community Treaty and of the Energy Charter Treaty. Anton Anton, Romanian Minister of Energy and chair of the Council

Other items on the agenda

Under 'any other business', the Commission presented its recent communication on the draft integrated national energy and climate plans (NECPs). The NECPs are part of the new governance framework of the Energy Union and aim to ensure that the EU delivers on its energy and climate objectives. All member states have submitted their first draft NECPs. They now have until the end of this year to finalise their plans.

The incoming Finnish Presidency presented its work programme. The Finnish delegation announced its intention to highlight the climate agenda during its Presidency.