EU energy ministers discuss external energy relations

European Union Energy Ministers during their formal meeting in Luxembourg on Monday discussed developments in the field of external energy relations.

“I provided the ministers with a snapshot of our external energy outreach during the (EU) Swedish presidency. It is crucial for Europe to maintain a good network with our reliable suppliers, and I continue to make this a priority,” EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson told a news conference after the meeting this evening.

She provided an overview of the main developments in the field of external energy relations and informed ministers on upcoming initiatives in the field of international energy relations.

Simson said Russian LNG imports to EU remain limited, and over time there will be more space to further reduce them.

“I clearly welcome the initiatives taken by the different governments to call on their companies not to sign any new Russian LNG contracts,” she added.

The ministers reached a general approach on a proposal for regulation on wholesale energy market integrity and transparency, said an EU statement released after the meeting.

The proposal aims to support an open and fair competition in the European wholesale energy markets, by banning trading based on inside information and deterring market manipulation.

The incoming EU Spanish presidency which takes over from Sweden in July presented its work programme.

Source: Kuwait News Agency