Energy, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation

The October European Council is expected to reach an agreement on the new climate and energy policy framework from 2020 to 2030. During the discussions, the Council is to reinforce principles that will underpin the setting of targets for reducing specific greenhouse gas emissions and determining the available compensatory financial mechanisms, as well as outlining indicative EU level targets in the field of energy resources and energy efficiency.

In preparation for the October European Council, Foreign Minister Rinkevics emphasised energy security issues. The Minister pointed out that it is important to achieve a common understanding among the member States at the European Council on energy security and the strengthening of a common energy market. Minister Rinkevics emphasised that it is of a vital importance to establish a fully functioning market for electricity, which is related to integration of the Baltic States into the European energy networks. A common EU position in negotiations with suppliers for third countries and on the development of new projects for diversification of the natural gas supply routes is also crucial. The Latvian Foreign Minister pointed out that efforts must continue to end the ‘energy isolation’ of the Baltic States.

As regards the climate-related matters, Edgars Rinkevics emphasised that the specific character of member states should be taken into account when setting the EU’s targets. When establishing caps on greenhouse gas emissions, it is important that eventual funding is increased for transport, agriculture and small-scale energy production that form the non-ETS sector.

At the General Affairs Council, the Ministers continued their discussion on the implementation of the EU strategic priorities. This time the debate focused on Europe of Freedom, Security and Justice. The Ministers also exchanged views on the phenomenon of foreign combatants, on migration and strengthening the EU’s external borders, on combating crime and terrorism, and on cooperation among the judicial systems of member states.

The Council also considered the European Commission’s proposal to discuss the composition of the Committee of the Regions.