Lex Delles, Luxembourg’s Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism;
Credit: SIP, Claude Piscitelli
On Monday 16 June 2025, Luxembourg’s Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism, Lex Delles, attended the European Union Energy Ministers’ Council, which took place in Luxembourg.
As reported by the Ministry of the Economy, the meeting provided a key opportunity for national delegations to discuss the REPowerEU roadmap, which aims to reduce reliance on energy imports from Russia. Adopted by the European Commission on 7 May 2025, the roadmap outlines nine strategic measures spanning gas, oil and nuclear energy. Luxembourg supports a comprehensive approach that includes both fossil fuels and nuclear sources, while advocating for ambitious, coordinated implementation across Europe.
For Luxembourg, the primary objective remains a reduction in energy dependency through:
⁃ stronger integration of the internal energy market;
⁃ enhanced energy efficiency measures;
⁃ accelerated transition to renewable energy;
⁃ significant investment in electrification, flexibility and appropriate infrastructure.
Minister Delles stated: “The energy transition is a strategic necessity for Europe. Luxembourg fully supports the coordinated implementation of the REPowerEU roadmap, which aims to reduce our dependence on Russian energy imports. We must act with ambition and responsibility to accelerate the integration of the internal energy market, improve energy efficiency and invest substantially in renewable energy and infrastructure. Together, at the European level, we will build a secure and sustainable energy future.”
According to the ministry, during the discussions on energy security, Luxembourg backed a proposed legislative framework aimed at enhancing support for households, businesses and the investments required. Minister Delles emphasised the importance of applying the legislation with rigour to ensure robust and sustainable energy security across all EU Member States.
The ministry detailed that on the margins of the Council meeting, Lex Delles held bilateral discussions with newly appointed counterparts from Germany and Belgium.
With German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katherina Reiche, discussions focused on the development of the hydrogen market, maintaining competitive energy prices and ensuring electricity supply security. Both parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in these fields.
In a separate meeting with Belgian Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet, the conversation addressed the development of the hydrogen market, collaboration on renewable energy and cross-border electricity interconnections. Both ministers committed to deepening the strategic energy relationship between Luxembourg and Belgium.
The ministry also reported that on Sunday 15 June 2025, senior representatives from Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland gathered in Luxembourg to mark the 20th anniversary of the Pentalateral Energy Forum. Luxembourg currently holds the rotating presidency of the Forum. Officials from the European Commission and the Benelux Union General Secretariat also took part.
For two decades, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany have collaborated within the Forum, based on the belief that energy policy must transcend national borders. The initiative, which later expanded to include Austria and Switzerland, plays a key role in advancing regional energy cooperation in Europe. Since 2005, the Forum has introduced critical measures to enhance electricity market integration and improve supply security across the continent.
Minister Lex Delles remarked: “For 20 years, the member countries of the Pentalateral Energy Forum have built strong cooperation founded on innovation and regional integration. The growth of renewable energy requires smarter and more flexible electricity systems, where battery storage and smart grids play a central role. Hydrogen represents a turning point and initial cross-border pipeline projects are already under way to decarbonise heavy industry and transport. The Pentalateral Energy Forum continues to drive these developments.”
