European Commission
MEMO
Brussels, 21 February 2013
Preparation of the Energy Council, 22 February 2013
The first Energy Council under the Irish Presidency will be held on 22nd February 2013 in Brussels. Energy Commissioner Günther H. Oettinger will represent the European Commission. The Council will start with an orientation debate on how to deal with possible Indirect Land Use Changes from the production of biofuels. Subsequently, the Council will debate the steps to be taken to complete the Internal Energy Market by 2014 as requested by the Heads of State or Government in 2011. This will be followed by an exchange of views on the Europe 2020 strategy. Under AOB, the Presidency will inform on the state of play of negotiations with the Parliament on the proposal for a regulation on safety of offshore oil and gas prospection, exploration and production activities.
Proposal for a Directive amending Directive 98/70/EC relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels and amending Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources: Orientation debate
The Presidency proposed to steer the debate around the effectiveness of a Commission proposal to address the indirect land-use change emissions, to encourage the transition to advanced biofuels and to support the achievement of the existing EU energy and climate change objectives.
Communication from the Commission on "Making the Internal Energy Market work": Policy debate
Following the Commission's Communication, the Presidency aims at identifying the main priorities and/or concerns with regard to the completion of the internal energy market by 2014 with a particular focus on how to enhance the involvement of energy consumers in the market.
The Commission will underline the need for investment security in the energy sector, increased market integration of renewables and better coordination of national interventions into the electricity market at European level. The Commission will also urge member states and market players to allow consumers to benefit fully from liberalised and competitive energy markets.
European semester 2013: Exchange of views
Ministers will exchange views on the Europe 2020 Strategyand reflect on the main obstacles to Europe 2020 energy objectives as well as on the measures with the biggest potential for growth.
The Commission will point out that investments in energy should be prioritised and strengthened where possible to promote growth and competitiveness while ensuring the efficiency of public expenditure. The Commission will stress the need for a stable, longer term policy framework that guarantees more predictability for investors, in particular with a view to 2030.
Any other business
Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on safety of offshore oil and gas prospection, exploration and production activities: Information from the Presidency
Under AOB, the Presidency will inform about the state of play of negotiations with the European Parliament on the Regulation on safety of offshore prospection, exploration and production activities.
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