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Council of the EU
European Union Military Committee (EUMC), EU chiefs of defence, 24-25 October 2022
European Union Military Committee (EUMC), EU chiefs of defenceMain results
The EU Military Committee met at Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) level on 24 and 25 October in Brussels.
Emphasising the sense of urgency of achieving the fundamental and ambitious goals set out in the Strategic Compass without delay, CHODs committed themselves to building a militarily strong and capable EU, now.
The agenda covered all most pressing issues in the defence and security domain, starting with the implementation of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC), the key military contribution to a successful implementation of the Strategic Compass. CHODs also recalled the importance of exercising this capacity soon, starting in 2023, in order to identify lessons and react accordingly. The objective remains to achieve the full capacity to project security autonomously, when and where needed, by 2025 and in accordance with agreed scenarios.
Also related to the RDC, CHODs discussed ways to enhance the EU Command and Control structure in order to support the ambitions set out in the Strategic Compass with robust, secure and complete technological solutions for communications.
But enhancing communications is not the only area of capabilities CHODs committed themselves to. It is also necessary to address other capability gaps by making the best use of existing EU instruments and joint collaborative projects, such as PESCO, as a privileged framework of cooperation, and CARD, in its “pathfinder” role.
All in all, CHODs noted the need to support common solutions towards EU Strategic Autonomy, in synergy with all our partners, and develop robust and cutting-edge military capabilities, as well as strategic enablers.
Discussing with NATO counterparts in a specific session, CHODs confirmed that the Military Mobility project remains an essential work-strand for both EU and NATO. To meet the growing demand for security and defence, as exemplified by the current Russian aggression against Ukraine, CHODs re-emphasised the need for capabilities and capacities, infrastructure, rules and procedures to grant troops the flexibility and agility to move across the EU. Further and more substantial cooperation between the two organization was strongly encouraged.
Another very relevant topic of discussion was the future of CSDP Operations and Missions, which necessitate sufficient resources and financial support by MS. CHODs agreed to continue strengthening EU CSDP missions and operations and to increase their effectiveness, constantly adapting and revising missions and operations, or even terminating them if required. In this respect, the military assessment by the commanders on the ground is essential and should properly and timely feed the decision-making process.
CHODs stressed that all future missions and operations should serve the EU strategic interests, provide a real benefit to the local partners based on their concrete requests, and make full use of all available EU CSDP tools.
Concerning Bosnia and Herzegovina, CHODs underlined the necessity for a continued executive and EU-led military presence in the region.
They also confirmed the importance of the recently approved EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) as an important step towards a more sustainable approach in supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF).
Lat but not least, in regard to the need of an effective CSDP engagement in Africa, CHODs underlined the importance of an enduring commitment, taking into account the lessons learned from all EU Missions and Operations (EUTM Mali and EUTM RCA in particular) for all future activities.
The EUMC is composed of the CHODs of the 27 Member States, who are regularly represented by their permanent Military Representatives (MilReps). The EUMC provides advice and recommendations to the Political and Security Committee (PSC) on all relevant military matters.
The EUMC has a permanent Chairman, selected by the Chiefs of Defence of the Member States and appointed by the Council for three years.
Meeting information
Meeting n°CHOD24102022
24 October 2022
14:00
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Article
23:00
Ministers agree on rules for more energy-efficient buildings
© EU
Energy Ministers discussed key energy legislation in Luxembourg today. The first formal meeting of the EU Energy Council was chaired by the Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela, who immediately after the Council convened the next extraordinary meeting of the Energy Council on 24 November 2022 in Brussels.
"The Czech Presidency has already earned the nickname 'energy Presidency'. We have already convened three extraordinary Councils of Ministers, and within weeks we are succeeding in adopting measures that would have taken months or even years. Today, we have followed up on the European Council of 20 October, where EU leaders called on the Commission and the Council to speed up the submission and discussion of the necessary legislation," said Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Síkela, adding: "The final form should be approved by the Member States at the extraordinary Energy Council, which I intend to convene on 24 November."
The European Commission has presented to the ministers a proposal for measures to ensure sufficient energy at affordable prices. This was a regulation to strengthen solidarity through better coordination of gas purchases, the exchange of gas across borders and adjustment of gas pricing, issued by the European Commission last week. The regulation contains instruments aimed at reducing gas prices on the European market through joint gas purchases and the introduction of a special temporary mechanism to limit price fluctuations on the energy market.
During the discussion, there was support for the introduction of measures to help maintain the industry's competitiveness, which the Member States had already requested in the past, for example through the revision of the temporary crisis framework for public aid. The Commission confirmed that the revision of this framework will be published by the end of October at the latest. At the same time, the Commission briefly presented its non-paper on the possibility of decoupling gas and electricity prices.
"As early as the beginning of September we called for the idea of separating the gas and electricity markets at the Energy Council. After initial scepticism, the European Commission, in its letter to Ministers, now accepts the possibility of introducing this measure. I would like us to discuss the measure on the decoupling of gas and electricity prices at the extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers at the end of November," said Minister Síkela.
Subsequently, the ministers approved the general approach of the EU Council to the proposal for a Directive on the energy performance of buildings. This legislative proposal, which is also part of the Fit for 55 package, will help accelerate the pace of building renovation. It will make a major contribution to the overall reduction of energy consumption in the EU and contribute to decarbonisation. "Buildings currently account for around 40% of the energy consumed in the European Union. This will soon change. The new rules will make buildings in Europe less energy intensive," says Minister Síkela, adding that it is now the European Parliament's turn to approve its position. "Energy savings in buildings will help us reduce our energy bills and get rid of our dependence on Russia," the Minister adds.
The compromise proposal foresees that all new buildings will have to be emission-free from 2030, with the obligation for public buildings starting in 2028. By 2050, all existing buildings should be emission-free. The rules also provide for exemptions for certain buildings, such as historic or architecturally protected buildings.
Renovated buildings not only use less energy, but also save money and improve the quality of the indoor environment. The directive also includes the digitisation of energy performance certificates for buildings and greater development of infrastructure for sustainable mobility, which will encourage the development of electromobility. The final form and approval of the legislation now depends on the agreement of the Member States with the European Parliament and the European Commission.
During the Council meeting in Luxembourg, ministers also discussed further legislation from the Fit for 55 package, this time on the proposal for a gas package, i.e. a regulation and directive on rules for the internal market for renewable and low-emission gases, natural gas and hydrogen. Almost a year after the proposals were tabled, it was thus possible to discuss this key legislation at the ministerial level. "Properly set rules for the European market for natural gas and, in the future, for low-carbon and renewable gases, including hydrogen, will help us not only in reducing emissions but also in dealing with crisis situations like the current one," said Minister Síkela.
