Written statement by the Government Spokesman Mr Nikos
Christodoulides
on the EU Policy Framework on Energy for the period
2020-2030
that was approved by the European Council
The European Council has taken important decisions with
regard the European Union policy on climate and energy for the period 2020-2030,
and gave directions as to the completion of the internal energy market and the
strengthening of energy security of the Union.
We express our satisfaction for the final text of the Conclusions
since it takes into consideration the particular characteristics of Cyprus, as
well as many of the concerns that we have expressed during the many months of
negotiations, such as the adverse economic situation that our country is in, the
lack of links with the internal energy market of the EU, the importance of the
exploitation of domestic sources of energy, as well as the need to develop a new
hub for natural gas in southern Europe.
With regard to climate and energy, the European Council adopted three
goals until 2030. First, the binding goal to reduce emissions of Greenhouse
gasses at EU level by 40% in comparison to the emissions in 1990; the binding
goal for the use of 27% renewable energy sources at an EU level; and the
non-binding goal for a 27% energy performance at an EU level. A particularly
important element for us is that in the goals set, the degree of links to the
internal energy market will also be taken into consideration, an element that
has also been intensely promoted by Cyprus.
With regard to the internal market of energy, we note
the fact that in the paragraph about the implementation of the projects of
mutual interest that must be advanced as a priority within the framework of the
interlinked internal market of energy, there is a specific reference to Cyprus,
Malta and Greece. Besides, in the Conclusions for the security of the supply of
energy, a reference has been included specifically with regard to the
development of a new hub for natural gas in southern Europe.
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