In a statement published on its official website on Thursday, the council highlighted the critical role of the energy sector in the EU's economic recovery. It advised that the European economy become greener, more circular, and more international while remaining competitive globally.
“The necessary economic transformation towards sustainable growth and climate neutrality, building on the European Green Deal, is a major opportunity to stimulate the member states' economies,” the council said.
The council emphasized the importance of prioritizing energy efficiency “where it is technically feasible and cost-effective” for enhancing the economic recovery.
To this end, it stressed the need for gradually reducing the use of fossil fuels. It also supported promoting European leadership in developing and deploying safe and sustainable low-carbon technologies in a cost-efficient manner while respecting the member state’s right to choose their energy mix and appropriate technologies.
The Council underscored the need for policies to sustain a robust recovery plan for an affordable, safe, competitive, resilient and sustainable energy system. “It considers important in the current circumstances to streamline the state aid rules for environmental protection and energy in order to facilitate support for investments necessary for the energy transition.”
They also recognized the need to further incentivize potential investments in decarbonization by strengthening the EU carbon market and establishing a framework for changing the carbon frontier consistent with the goals of the World Trade Organization.
The Council called on the EU Commission to present an action plan and a roadmap for hydrogen with an emphasis on renewable hydrogen to contribute to the energy transition.
(Anadolu Agency, June 26, 2020)