Austrian Presidency priorities for the energy sector

From 1st July, Austria is holding the Presidency of the EU Council. The new presidency outlined the priorities that will be faced during this 6-month mandate in different hearings with European Parliament committees held between 9 and 12 July.

On 11 July Margarete Schramböck, Federal Minister for Digital and Economic Affairs
will cover the industry policy and digital agenda, Mr Heinz Faßmann, Federal
Minister for Education, Science and Research, presented the Austrian Presidency priorities to the  ITRE Committee of the European Parliament, dealing with industry, research and energy dossiers. The EU presidency made clear that the ‘Clean energy package’ and Horizon Europe will be priority aspects in the agenda. The Presidency will push the discussion on the Horizon Europe programme for 2021-2027. As long as the energy transition is concerned, the Presidency will facilitate negotiations on the revision of the European electricity market and will promote innovative technology to boost the energy transition.

MEPs urged the Presidency to reach a common position on the revision of the gas directive, as the Parliament is ready to begin negotiations. Concerning the internal electricity market, they invited the Presidency to focus on capacity and energy poverty.