Video conference of energy ministers, 14 December 2020

Source: Council of the European Union (Council) i, published on Monday, December 14 2020, 15:30.

Main results

EU energy ministers held an informal video conference to discuss energy system integration in the EU. They also received an update by the Commission on external energy relations and on a number of other matters.

Energy system integration

To become climate-neutral by 2050, Europe needs to fundamentally transform its energy system into an integrated energy system with high shares of renewable energy and significant energy efficiency improvements. During the video conference, ministers exchanged views on member states’ priorities in view of the forthcoming revision of European energy legislation.

Ministers discussed which policy measures they see as priorities and which challenges they foresee when updating the EU regulatory framework in order to facilitate the integration of the energy system. Ministers also exchanged views on the possible alignment of the 2030 EU energy targets with a higher climate ambition for 2030.

Other matters

The Commission presented information on recent developments in the field of external energy relations.

The Lithuanian delegation informed ministers about the commissioning of the Ostravets nuclear power plant in Belarus and its coherence with the implementation of nuclear safety recommendations.

The incoming Portuguese presidency presented its work programme for the first half of 2021.

Meeting information

  • Meeting n°VC-ENERGY-141220
  • Video conference
  • 14 December 2020

Preparatory documents