FIT FOR 55 NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE AS ENERGY CRISIS GAINS MOMENTUM
As the negotiations on the Fit for 55 files are entering the final stages of the decision-making procedure and the energy crisis is gaining more political momentum, the European Commission last week announced two demand reduction targets for electricity, including a binding reduction goal of 5% at peak consumption times, ahead of a difficult winter caused by dwindling gas supplies from Russia. Member States are moving forward with new initiatives and steps to secure their winter energy supply. Euractiv reported that Germany is in talks with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on liquified natural gas (LNG) deliveries.
From 26 to 30 September, the European Commission is organizing the EU Sustainability Energy Week, during which the REPowerEU plan, energy efficiency and a fair energy transition for all will be discussed. On 30 September, an extraordinary Energy Council will take place to follow up on the measures presented by the Commission on 14 September.
On 3 October, the Committee on Transport and Tourism is expected to vote on the draft report on the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation and FuelEU Maritime.
In October, the EU institutions will discuss several Fit for 55 files in the Trilogue meetings: on 4 October for Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), on 6 October for Renewable Energy Directive, on 10 October for EU Emissions Trading System and Market Stability Reserve, and on 11 October for Effort Sharing Regulation. Moreover, on 13 October, the institutions will hold the Trilogue negotiations on the Social Climate Fund.
On 18 October, the European Commission will present its Work Programme for 2023, presenting its upcoming policy initiatives.