Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 17 March 2016: energy and environmental matters

The EU heads of state or government met in Brussels on 17 March 2016 to discuss migration and economic issues, but also agreed on conclusions on jobs, growth, competitiveness and on climate and energy. The final text of the conclusions is available here. Some of the main points related to energy and environmental issues are listed below:

• The discussions form part of the broader context of European Semester and the Annual Growth Survey. They will also continue in the context of the Economic and Monetary Union, a topic on the agenda of the June 2016 European Council. It should be noted that, during the forthcoming June meeting, an Agenda for the implementation of all aspects of the Single Market will be adopted. Such Agenda will include details on the manner to deliver the Commission's Single Market, Digital Single Market and Capital Markets Union strategies.
• The Council is asked to work on the European Commission's communication on the future of the European steel sector which currently suffers from overcapacity. On 16 March, the European Commission adopted a Communication on "Steel: Preserving sustainable jobs and growth in Europe".
• The Council look with attention at the forthcoming Commission's communication on an action plan on VAT. Notably, Member States were interested in getting more flexibility with respect to reduced rates of VAT.
• The European Council insists on the importance of EU energy Security as a common Challenge.  In particular, it "encourages the legislators to proceed with work on the proposals to reinforce the EU energy security as a matter of priority", and recalls previous conclusions and strategies on the matter.
• On climate issues, the European Council recalls the objectives set in the 2014 Council Conclusions.
• Time for implementation: the European Council "invites the Commission to rapidly present all the remaining relevant proposals" in the energy and climate field.
• Finally, the European Council encourage the EU and its Member States to ratify the Paris .Agreement as soon as possible and on time so as to be Parties as of its entry into force"

 Photo credits: The Roundtable (c) The European Union