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EU Meetings

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 September 2013

Tuesday, 24 September 2013

Questions (368)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

368. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the parameters of the discussions held with EU ministerial colleagues at the Informal Energy Council in Vilnius, Lithuania on 19 and 20 September 2013; the agreements reached; if he will provide an update on matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39292/13]

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Written answers

Energy Ministers from EU Member States met in Vilnius on 19 and 20 September. The informal meeting of the Council of Energy Ministers discussed topics relevant to European energy policy. Views were exchanged on (i) the actions and measures necessary for the timely completion of the EU Internal Energy Market (IEM) (ii) the strengthening of European unity in engagements with non-EU countries and organisations on important energy matters; and (iii) the evolving 2030 EU Framework for climate and energy policies. These matters are crucial to increasing energy security, energy sustainability and competitiveness in the EU.

In terms of the actions and measures necessary for the timely completion of the EU Internal Energy Market (IEM), the discussion revolved around various challenges including: the completion of the Third EU Energy Package implementation in all Member States; the development of energy infrastructure integrating energy islands; and empowering consumers in the retail markets. Implementation of the Third Package has already begun in Member States and Ministers reiterated their commitment to completing same.

As regards external dimension of the EU energy policy, the European Commission presented a review of progress since 2011 when Member States agreed certain measures to strengthen the external dimension of energy policy. Member States reiterated their desire to continue to coordinate EU external energy policy actions in order to tackle high energy costs collectively.

The participants also had the opportunity to hear a presentation on the outcome of the Commission's public consultation on the 2030 EU Framework for climate and energy policies. A key focus of the discussion was future targets – the type (Carbon, Renewable, Energy Efficiency), nature and level of targets and how potential targets might interact.

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