Trans-Europese energie-infrastructuur van belang voor voltooiing interne energiemarkt (en)

An update on the progress regarding the proposed regulation for the Trans-European Energy Infrastructure, followed by an orientation debate on some of its important aspects, concluded today’s Informal Meeting of Energy Ministers, at the ‘Filoxenia’ Conference Center in Lefkosia (Nicosia).

The proposed Regulation is a key priority for the Cyprus Presidency and aims at establishing rules on the identification and selection, regulatory treatment, granting of permits and eligibility for funding, of the energy infrastructure of common interest. As the Cypriot Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Mr. Neoklis Sylikiotis, who hosted the Informal Meeting, explained, the modernisation and upgrade of the European energy infrastructure, as well as its adaptation to new needs and developments in the energy mix, are crucial for attracting investments and stimulating growth.

Reaching agreement by the end of 2012

“We have received extremely encouraging messages today and the main outcome is that the Council has reaffirmed its full support in the efforts of the Cyprus Presidency, calling for the conclusion of negotiations by the end of the year”, stressed Mr. Sylikiotis in his closing remarks regarding the work of the afternoon session.

Among other things, he also pointed out that the proposed Regulation will contribute towards the achievement of the EU i's energy objectives, including the completion of the single internal energy market by 2014 and lifting the energy isolation of Member States by 2015.

The orientation debate focused on the issues that are vital for successfully reaching a timely agreement on the proposed Regulation:

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  The important aspects on which consensus at large has been achieved among Member States, as well as those that could possibly delay the agreement.
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  The positions of the Member States with regard to the funding priorities, as well as the areas in which such funding would bring the highest added value.
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  Regulatory treatment and the streamlining of permit granting procedures.
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  The role and the important work of the Regional Groups in the selection of projects of common interest.

The future of Renewable Energy policy

The Commission’s Communication on Renewable Energy of June 6 2012, was discussed during the morning plenary session. The aim was to reach a general orientation with regard to the preparation of the Council Conclusions which the Cyprus Presidency intends to put forward for adoption at the Energy Council of December 3.

More information on the work of the morning session can be found in the press release issued following the conclusion of the press conference given by Minister Sylikiotis and Commissioner for Energy Mr. Günther Oettinger i.