Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the outcome of the formal and informal European Union Energy Council meeting; if the Energy Roadmap 2050 has general agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10837/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The informal Energy Council held on the 3rd May in Budapest discussed progress to date on the Energy 2050 Roadmap which is being developed by the Commission. There was general agreement to the overall strategic direction proposed by the Commission to decarbonise Europe's energy system as part of the overall EU commitment to decarbonise the Economy by 2050.

It was agreed that the set of long term roadmaps being developed by the European Commission, including energy and transport, should be fully consistent with each other. The achievement of a decarbonised European economy is fully dependent on clear synergies between sectoral roadmaps.

The strategic priorities of energy efficiency and renewable energy were highlighted. There was also a discussion on the merits of setting intermediate targets in due course for 2030 in order to focus and reinforce progress. The three pillars of European energy policy (security of supply, competitiveness and sustainability) should be reinforced by the addition of job creation as a key objective for energy policy.

The informal Council also underlined the imperative of delivering essential energy infrastructure investment across Europe together with Research and Development and an enhanced focus on the needs of energy consumers.

There was also a discussion on Europe's external energy policy challenges in light of current geopolitical events. The need for European solidarity in external energy policy matters was emphasised as was the importance of delivering on the EU's internal energy policy objectives to ensure credibility in external energy negotiations.