COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION latest

 

Meetings Monday 28 February 2022

● Council of the EU   28/02/2022 22:49 | MEETING | Main results - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 28 February 2022   EU energy ministers addressed an extraordinary Council meeting to discuss the energy situation in Europe following the crisis in Ukraine. Council of the EU Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 28 February 2022 Main results EU energy ministers met today in Brussels to exchange views on the energy situation in Ukraine and Europe following the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the Russian Federation. Support for Ukraine and the energy situation in Europe Russian military action in Ukraine is causing major damage to the country's energy capacities. Energy ministers have said that they are willing and ready to provide assistance to Ukraine in this regard. Moreover, these military operations are leading to an increase in gas prices in the EU as well as in international oil prices. This is taking place in a more general context of a rebound in energy prices both in Europe and worldwide since 2021. The European Council, meeting on 24 February 2022, called for work to be taken forward at all levels, and invited the Commission, in particular, to put forward contingency measures, including on energy. Consequently, the Council presidency considered it essential to swiftly take forward discussions on preparedness and contingency measures at all levels in the energy sector in Europe, as well as on all the options for responding to Ukraine’s requests for support, such as the synchronisation of Ukraine’s electricity network with the Union network. In this unprecedented context of military operations on the EU’s doorstep, we need to take action in three areas in the short term: we must provide practical support for Ukraine, strengthen the resilience of the European energy system, and manage future trends in energy prices. However, even if Russia were to halt its exports - something which is not on the agenda at present - there would be no immediate risk to the security of supply in the European Union. On the other hand, it is more important than ever to accelerate the green transition, in order to achieve our goals of Europe’s energy independence and climate neutrality.Barbara Pompili, French Minister for the Ecological Transition Ministers shared their proposals for providing further assistance to the Ukrainian Government, in particular in consolidating the operation of its electricity network, ensuring that the network is synchronised with that of the Union and providing assistance and energy resources. In January 2022, the Council agreed to provide EUR 1.2 billion in assistance to Ukraine in the form of loans to promote stability in the country. Ministers also stated that they were prepared to take action at national level to provide Ukraine with additional financial or material assistance. During the discussions, energy ministers presented their views on the situation and on the current state of energy supplies, stocks and flows in their respective countries. The Member States and the Commission agreed that the European Union was not immediately at risk in terms of supplies of gas or fuel, even in the event of a disruption in the supply of Russian gas. Moreover, the Commission and the Member States are coordinating the European Union's contribution to any action in terms of oil supply, in particular in the context of the International Energy Agency. Furthermore, Member States are prepared to mobilise strategic stocks if the situation regarding oil supplies or prices evolves in such a way that it becomes necessary. Ministers expressed their views on the need for contingency measures, including on securing supply, optimised stock management and better coordination between the Member States. These measures were to be supplemented by a joint action aiming to increase energy imports from regions other than Russia. The Member States will continue to monitor the situation closely, in close coordination with the Commission, in order to be able to act swiftly if necessary. They will also strengthen their contacts with international partners, with a view to stabilising energy flows and prices. In light of the latest developments, ministers expressed their views on options for limiting the impact of prices on households and industries. Many Member States have already adopted measures at national level, including tax and tariff measures, to protect the most vulnerable consumers. They consider that the ‘toolbox’ proposed by the Commission in October 2021 provided a useful European framework for coordinating national measures. Ministers await the new Commission communication, which should include new developments to keep energy prices under control in this unprecedented crisis context. Lastly, ministers underlined the importance of the European Green Deal and the 'Fit for 55' legislative package to reduce the Union's hydrocarbon dependency. Presidency Summary European Council conclusions, 24 February 2022 Commission communication on energy prices Energy prices (background information) Clean energy: fuelling the transition to a low-carbon economy (background information) On 1 March 2022, in Rouen, the French Presidency of the Council of the EU will bring together: the 27 EU ministers responsible for cohesion policy; E… 25/02/2022 14:00 | Article Informal Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Cohesion Policy On 1 March 2022, in Rouen, the French Presidency of the Council of the EU will bring together: the 27 EU ministers responsible for cohesion policy; European Commissioner Elisa Ferreira; the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas; the Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Regional Development, Younous Omarjee; and the President of the Section for Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion of the European Economic and Social Committee, Stefano Palmieri. In the context of recovery of European economies, which have been hard hit by the public health and economic crisis, the Commission’s Eighth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion will form the basis for discussions. On 1 March 2022, in Rouen, the French Presidency of the Council of the EU will bring together: the 27 EU ministers responsible for cohesion policy; European Commissioner Elisa Ferreira; the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas; the Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Regional Development, Younous Omarjee; and the President of the Section for Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion of the European Economic and Social Committee, Stefano Palmieri. In the context of recovery of European economies, which have been hard hit by the public health and economic crisis, the Commission’s Eighth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion will form the basis for discussions. Cohesion policy for harmonious and adapted development of European regions The European Union consists of 27 Member States and 242 regions with economic and social disparities. The economic, social and territorial cohesion policy aims to bridge the wealth and development gaps between the EU regions, by investing in growth and employment. Through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund (JTF), the policy finances research and development, digital technology, SME development and ecological transition projects, as well as actions promoting employment, training and social inclusion, all while adapting to the specificities of each region, particularly overseas territories. As such, thousands of projects throughout Europe are supported by this policy, in the aim of facing common challenges, namely, the major environmental, technological and demographic transitions. These projects are led by a wide variety of stakeholders, companies, public bodies and associations. A symbol of solidarity, the EU’s cohesion policy promotes the harmonious development of the Member States and regions. The Commission’s Eighth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion as the guiding theme of the meeting The publication of the Commission’s Eighth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion has brought to light the state of cohesion within the EU. It starkly highlights the impact of the crisis on local economies and provides an overview of the progress achieved over the last few years relative to cohesion, the role of European structural funds and the effects of other EU policies in the regions. The OECD’s analysis of the optimisation of public investment in other regions of the world, reaching the same conclusions, will guide discussions on the type of public investment to be mobilised to address European and global challenges. The ministers will therefore be encouraged to establish a basis for future priorities and long-term objectives concerning a policy that aims for a greener, more innovative and inclusive society. For better consideration of territorial disparities In order to meet forthcoming challenges in the best way, citizen support remains vital. This gives rise to the question of their trust in institutions. In this respect, particular attention must be paid to the problem of growing territorial disparities, especially those of rural areas. The discussions will include proposed solutions to draw citizens closer to the European project. Press material Monday 28 February 2022   ● Council of the EU   28/02/2022 20:13 | Press release | Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine: Council imposes sanctions on 26 persons and one entity   The Council today added 26 persons and one entity to the list of persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The new listings include oligarchs and businessmen active in the oil, banking and finance sectors, as well as government members, and high level military personalities, and propagandists who contributed to spread anti-Ukrainian propaganda and promote a positive attitude towards the invasion of Ukraine. "With these additional sanctions, we are targeting all who are having a significant economic role in supporting Putin’s regime, and benefit financially from the system. These sanctions will expose the wealth of Putin’s elite. Those who enable the invasion of Ukraine will pay a price for their action." Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Restrictive measures, which now apply to a total of 680 individuals and 53 entities, include an asset freeze and a prohibition from making funds available to the listed individuals and entities. In addition, a travel ban applicable to the listed persons prevents these from entering or transiting through EU territory. Today's decision complements the package of measures announced by the High Representative after the video conference of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers of 27 February. This package also includes the provision of equipment and supplies to the Ukrainian Armed Forces through the European Peace Facility, a ban on the overflight of EU airspace and on access to EU airports by Russian carriers of all kinds, and a ban on transactions with the Russian Central Bank. The European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms the Russian Federation’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine. By its illegal military actions, Russia is grossly violating international law and the principles of the UN Charter, and undermining European and global security and stability. The relevant legal acts, including the names of the persons and entities concerned, have been published in the Official Journal. Official Journal of the European Union, L 058, 28 February 2022 Official Journal of the European Union, L 059, 28 February 2022 EU adopts new set of measures to respond to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, 28 February 2022 Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine: EU imposes sanctions against President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov and adopts wide ranging individual and economic sanctions, 25 February 2022 European Council conclusions, 24 February 2022 Ukraine: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the invasion of Ukraine by armed forces of the Russian Federation, 24 February 2022 EU restrictive measures in response to the crisis in Ukraine