The Council held an exchange of views on the Clean Energy for all Europeans Package which was adopted on 30 November 2016 aiming at a complex energy transition by 2030 with priorities such as: energy efficiency first, global leading role in renewable energies, and affordability for consumers. Ministers presented their views on the possible timeframe of adoption and also exchanged views on strategic issues of the Package.
Hungary was represented by András Aradszki sate secretary responsible for energy. Hungarian intervention focused on the following issues: The package represents a huge challenge to those who are participating in the legislation because of the comprehensiveness of the areas to be regulated and because of its complexity. We are not interested in their swift adoption, but in the elaboration of coherent and enforceable rules. There is concern that some elements of the package of proposals aim to limit the national sovereignty, the right to determine our own energy mix in line with the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, and affect the principle of subsidiarity and technology neutrality.
Hungary stressed that most critical issue is the phase-out of regulated end-consumer prices because we consider regulated end-user price as a necessary and important tool to provide consumers sustainable energy service for affordable prices. Without price regulation, energy poverty will increase. The proposed rules would lead to an unjustified limitation of the Member States’ room of manoeuvre with regard to the protection of consumer. Regional coordination and consultation with the European Commission should not lead to further limitation of the competences of Member States in the area of energy security. Guaranteeing security of supply is still the responsibility of the Member States, and the necessary tools for this should be provided for them.
Hungary welcomed the efforts to further expand the Renewable Energy Directive for the period of 2021 to 2030. At the same time, it is important that the new regulatory framework is in line with the Council Conclusions adopted in 2014 October. It is important, that the energy efficiency target for Member States remains indicative in the framework of the National Climate and Energy Plan, keeping the principle of subsidiarity in mind.
