Commissioner Simson to discuss electricity grids, Russian fossil fuel imports and European Green Deal with EU Energy Ministers

Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, will represent the Commission at tomorrow's Energy Council in Brussels. The Commissioner and Ministers will discuss the development of future-proof electricity grids, which are key for the integration of renewables in the EU's energy system and the achievement of the clean energy transition.  

2 years after its adoption, the Belgian Presidency has invited the Commissioner and Ministers to take stock of progress on the REPowerEU Plan to phase out Russian fossil fuels, and the next steps for its implementation. They will also discuss the EU's energy preparedness for the next winter as we progress with gas storage refilling and anticipate further supply chain evolutions at the end of the year.  

The Commissioner and Ministers will hold a debate on the implementation of the European Green Deal and how it can help make Europe's economy more sustainable. The Commissioner will take the opportunity to remind Member States of the importance and urgency of finalising their National Energy and Climate Plans by the end of June, where they should update their policies to reach the EU's 2030 climate and energy goals, based on the Commission's recommendations. In the margins of the Council, the Commissioner will attend the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between Germany, Italy, and Austria on the development of a hydrogen corridor from North Africa to Central Europe.  

At the end of the Council, Commissioner Simson will participate in a press conference alongside the Belgian Presidency of the Council, expected at around 18:45 CEST. You will be able to follow it live on EbS+.