On Thursday 26 November 2015, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy of Luxembourg, Étienne Schneider, will chair the 'Energy' Council meeting in Brussels.
Several facets of the Energy Union will be discussed at the Council, namely the governance of the Union, the new organisation of the electricity market and energy efficiency and, in particular, new labelling of products.
Labels declaring the energy consumption and efficiency of products sold in the EU have significantly improved in the past and benefited both the industry and consumers, with an average household saving up to €450 a year.
The Council is expected to reach a general approach on the proposal for a Regulation setting a framework for energy efficiency labelling and repealing Directive 2010/30/EU. The Council is also due to adopt conclusions on Energy Union governance as well as debate a new energy market design and a new deal for energy consumers.
"Despite the positive results, the labelling had to be revised to better adapt to market realities and make it understandable to consumers," commented Étienne Schneider ahead of tomorrow's Council meeting. "In collaboration with other Member States, we reached in Council a general approach that represents a solid basis for a new label and will begin as early as next year negotiations with the European Parliament."
The 'Energy' Council will also discuss the latest developments in international relations. The session wil close with the presentation of the work agenda of the upcoming Dutch Presidency.
Photo by IEEP
