The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Matthew Hancock)

The Council discussed the governance of the 2030 climate and energy framework. The Commission emphasised the importance of regional co-operation as well as a streamlined reporting process and noted that it will bring forward proposals on governance during the course of 2015. A number of member states emphasised specifically the importance of reaching the EU-wide renewable energy target. The UK and others argued that the governance framework should allow member states the flexibility in meeting their climate targets consistent with the agreement on the 2030 climate and energy framework as reached at the October European Council. In particular, they argued that there was no need for a new renewable energy directive. The UK also noted that it would be helpful for the governance framework to ensure that all member states developed long-term plans for greenhouse gas reductions. All member states emphasised the need to streamline reporting requirements.

The presidency reported on progress in reaching 2020 energy and climate targets as part of the mid-term assessment of the “Europe 2020 Strategy for Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth” and noted the importance of energy and climate measures for growth and jobs. The Commission and some member states emphasised the importance of concrete targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency set at national level. The UK emphasised that the economic reform strategy should remain focused on growth and employment and that climate and energy should be kept on a separate track for 2030 to avoid duplication.

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