Day: June 23, 2022

The Israeli government is sending two firefighting aircrafts and a cargo plane to help tackle the fire that is under way in the Turkish-occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus, according to Israeli diplomatic sources. The decision was taken jointly by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and Minister of Public Order, Omer Bar-Lev, at the request of the government of the Republic of Cyprus.

All aircraft will land at Larnaka airport and then, in coordination with the authorities of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), will carry out firefighting operations. Well-informed Israeli diplomatic sources pointed out to CNA that the decision of the Israeli government is characterized as a purely humanitarian one and is implemented exclusively in cooperation with the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Regular auditing and monitoring of expenditure in order to protect EU’s financial interests

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Investment and reforms should focus on increasing EU strategic autonomy in key supply chains and critical infrastructure

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Funds must be used effectively to reach citizens and the real economy and to mitigate the social and economic consequences of the crisis

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Need for continuous and robust rule of law monitoring

Parliament calls for recovery funding to be transparent, conditional on the respect for the rule of law, and for ensuring a maximum return on the EU’s investment.

With their report, adopted with 420 votes in favour, 90 against and 83 abstentions, MEPs intend to influence the Commission’s upcoming review of the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which is expected by 31 July 2022.

Protecting the EU’s finances, its values, and the rule of law

MEPs want the Commission to ensure a strong auditing and monitoring mechanism for RRF expenditure, implementation, and data management. This would prevent misuse, double funding or the overlapping of objectives with other EU funding programmes.

They stress that the rule of law, protecting the EU’s values, and the sound financial management of EU funds need continuous evaluation throughout the lifecycle of the RRF. It should be possible to halt or recover already-disbursed funds in case of non-compliance with these criteria.

Strategic autonomy, war in the Ukraine and social investment

RRF investments in the green transition and digital transformation should contribute to increasing the EU’s strategic autonomy and independence, in particular reducing its dependency on imported fossil fuels. However, MEPs call for more cross-border projects, such as improving the interconnection of European gas and electricity energy networks, and the full synchronisation of power grids. They stress the role of the RRF in the rollout of REPowerEU and say loans available under the RRF could be used to supplement these projects and advance investment in the EU’s energy transition, contributing significantly to EU energy sovereignty.

They also encourage member states to use the full potential of the RRF, including loans, to counter the effects of current and future challenges – in areas like SMEs, health care, measures to support Ukrainian refugees, and aiding local and regional administration in using funding effectively.

Transparency

MEPs reiterate that the Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard must provide basic information for citizens on the overall progress in the implementation of national plans. They expect continuous monitoring of the implementation of the RRF’s six pillars, as well as the 37% target for green spending, and 20% for digital issues. They recall that member states should collect and ensure access to data on beneficial owner(s) of businesses in receipt of funds and beneficiaries of the programme.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades takes part in the European Council in Brussels which take place on Thursday and Friday.

European leaders are set to discuss the Ukrainian crisis, economic issues and the Conference for the Future of Europe.

On the sidelines of the Council President Anastasiades will meet with leaders of states and governments with whom he will discuss issues of mutual interest, the Cyprus problem and the latest provocations by Turkey, a Presidency press release says.

He is accompanied in Brussels by Government Spokesperson Marios Pelekanos and Deputy Minister to the President and recently appointed Labour Minister Kyriacos Koushos.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus’ Foreign Ministry expressed on Wednesday its condolences to Afghanistan over the deadly earthquake that affected the country.

In a tweet the Ministry said that it was “profoundly saddened by reports on the deadly earthquake in #Afghanistan causing the tragic loss and injury to thousands of victims | Our heartfelt condolences & sympathy to the Afghan people affected by this catastrophic disaster #AfghanistanEarthquake.”

Source: Cyprus News Agency

New ETS II for commercial buildings and road transport from 2024 – citizens not to be included before 2029

• Free allowances in the sectors covered by CBAM to be phased out from 2027 and disappear by 2032

• Increase 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target from 61% to 63%

• Revenues to be used exclusively for climate action in EU and member states

To incentivise industries to further reduce their emissions and invest in low-carbon technologies, the Emissions Trading System should be reformed and its scope enlarged, say MEPs.

On Wednesday, the European Parliament adopted their position on the revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) with 439 votes for, 157 against and 32 abstentions. This followed a Plenary debate on 7 June.

MEPs believe that the ETS is at the core of European climate policy and has triggered significant reductions in emissions, as putting a price on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has given economic actors an incentive to reduce their emissions and invest in low-carbon technologies.

Accelerate the decarbonisation of industry through ETS I

Parliament wants to increase the Commission’s overall ambition to reduce emissions in the ETS sectors from 61% to 63% by 2030, compared to 2005. This is to be achieved through further one-off cuts to the EU-wide quantity of allowances in circulation, in combination with an increase in the annual reduction of allowances to 4.4% until the end of 2025, rising to 4.5% from 2026 and to 4.6% from 2029.

Parliament wants to introduce a bonus-malus-system in order to incentivise best-performers and innovation and reward the most efficient installations in a sector with additional free allowances. Those who do not implement the recommendations made in the energy audits, do not certify their energy systems or do not establish a decarbonisation plan for their installations, will lose some or even all of their free allowances.

As requested several times by Parliament, the ETS would now be extended to maritime transport. MEPs want to cover 100% of emissions from intra-European routes as of 2024 and 50% of emissions from extra-European routes from and to the EU as of 2024 until the end of 2026. From 2027, emissions from all trips should be covered 100% with possible derogations for non-EU countries where coverage could be reduced to 50% subject to certain conditions. MEPs also want GHG emissions other than CO2 to be included, such as methane nitrous oxides. 75% of the revenues generated from auctioning maritime allowances shall be put into an Ocean Fund to support the transition to an energy efficient and climate resilient EU maritime sector. Parliament also wants to include municipal waste incineration in the ETS from 2026.

Free allowances for CBAM sectors to disappear by 2032

The free allowances in the ETS sectors covered by the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism CBAM) should be phased out from 2027 and disappear by 2032 when Parliament wants the mechanism to be fully implemented – three years earlier than foreseen by the Commission. The free allowances should be reduced to 93% in 2027, 84% in 2028, 69% in 2029, 50% in 2030, 25% in 2031 and 0% in 2032.

A new ETS II for commercial buildings and transport

A separate new emissions trading system for fuel distribution for commercial road transport and buildings shall be established on 1 January 2024 – one year earlier than proposed by the Commission.

To prevent citizens from having to bear additional energy costs, residential buildings and private transport should not be included in the new ETS before 2029 and only subject to a thorough assessment by the Commission followed by a new legislative proposal to be agreed upon by Council and Parliament. MEPs also propose to insert a price cap of 50 EUR so that if the average price of allowances in ETS II exceeds this cap prior to 2030, 10 million allowances should be released from the Market Stability Reserve.

Revenues from the auctioning of 150 million allowances under the ETS II shall be made available for the Social Climate Fund to address the challenges for low-income families.

Targeted solidarity and support for new technologies

The ETS will generate revenues to be used to support the green transition through support to technologies that contribute to energy and resource savings and pollution reductions. Parliament wants a well-defined share of the ETS auctioning revenue to be used as an own resource to finance the EU budget as a general income. Both the EU and member states must spend all of their ETS (I + II) revenues on climate action or in upskilling and re-skilling of workers potentially affected by the green transition.

Parliament supports the Commission’s proposal on the Modernisation Fund to improve energy efficiency and modernise the energy systems in less wealthy member states. The Fund could also finance cross-border projects with low-growth border regions that would otherwise not be eligible for funding. Parliament also insists that only member states that have adopted legally binding targets for achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and measures to phase out all fossil fuels should be eligible. In addition, access to the Fund should also be conditional on the respect for the Rule of Law.

Parliament also significantly increased the size of the Innovation Fund (to be renamed Climate Investment Fund), which supports innovation in technologies that contribute significantly to the decarbonisation of the ETS sectors.

Quote

After the vote, rapporteur Peter Liese (EPP, DE), said: “Today is a big day for the climate. We will reduce four times more GHG emissions per year than we did from 1990 until today. Everybody who invests in climate mitigation will be supported, but those who just want to continue to pollute, will have a hard time. We will protect jobs and do what is necessary to save the planet for our children and grandchildren.”

Next steps

Parliament is now ready to start negotiations with member states.

Background

The ETS is part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030 package”, which is the EU’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels in line with the European Climate Law.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Ukraine and Moldova should become EU candidate countries as soon as possible, Georgia is also part of the European family but more reforms needed

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Treat Western Balkan countries fairly and unblock their accession process

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EU institutional reform also necessary

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Decisive action needed to deal with inflation, energy costs and food shortages

On Wednesday, MEPs outlined their expectations for the 23-24 June European Council in a plenary debate with the French Presidency and Commission President von der Leyen.

Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia

In light of Putin’s aggression and the commitment shown by the Ukrainian, Moldovan, and Georgian peoples towards their European future, an overwhelming majority of MEPs called on the EU’s leaders to open the path to accession for all three countries. Almost all speakers supported the granting of candidate status to them. But many said that reforms remain necessary -especially in Georgia-, with some stating that the path will not be a short one and referencing the Copenhagen criteria for EU accession. Nevertheless, many MEPs said that protecting people from aggression and encouraging their European aspirations should be a priority for a strong and credible EU that protects its values, with a few MEPs calling for more military and economic support for Ukraine. MEPs will vote on a resolution on the candidate status of the three countries on Thursday.

Western Balkans

Most speakers in the debate also backed the launching of accession negotiations with Western Balkans countries, which despite of their efforts have been left waiting, MEPs noted, for too long. North Macedonia and Albania in particular need to be treated fairly, they said, while others referred to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s prospects and some called for a clear accession path for all countries in the region.

The Future of Europe

The Union’s prospects do not rely only on its enlargement, argued MEPs representing a majority in Parliament. Pointing to the multitude of recent, ongoing, and expected future crises, they demanded EU leaders vote in favour of a revision of the EU Treaties as Parliament has asked. This would, they said, take advantage of a historic moment for the EU – especially in relation to reforming unanimity voting in the Council.

Tackle the explosive situation in the economy

Many speakers demanded the protection of European citizens and businesses from the triple threat of soaring inflation, skyrocketing energy prices, and expected food shortages. Some called for a ceiling on gas prices and other measures to alleviate energy poverty, while others focused on the need to diversify the Union’s energy sources and strengthening independence, with many highlighting investments in renewable energy.

You can catch up with the recorded debate here.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Mary Kay Inc., a global leader in skincare innovation, recently sponsored and revealed its inaugural Mary Kay Skin Health/Skin Disease Research Grants awardees for researchers conducting groundbreaking, innovative studies in skin health and skin disease at the 2022 Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) Annual Meeting.

“As a decades-long leader in global cosmetics and skincare innovation, Mary Kay remains committed to enriching women’s lives across the world,” said Dr. Lucy Gildea, Mary Kay’s Chief Innovation Officer, Product and Science, at the event. “We also have a steadfast commitment to producing the highest quality products and conducting breakthrough skin science research. We recognize collaboration is crucial to new discoveries, and partnerships with scientific, medical, and academic communities are vital collaborations—which is why we’re thrilled to award these scientific grants.”

The Mary Kay Skin Health/Skin Disease Research Grants were announced at last year’s meeting in partnership with SID. The $25,000 grants were to be awarded to four researchers conducting incredible work in skin research to uncover new perspectives and invention strategies. In the months following the 2021 SID meeting, the company received applications from scientists across the country.

The four grant awardees ultimately selected were:

Dr. Allison C. Billi, MD, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor in the Dept of Dermatology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Billi’s primary research goal is to understand “what drives photoaging.” The grant will fund research to identify targetable pathways that help prevent or potentially reverse the effects of photoaging.

Dr. Angel S. Byrd, MD, Ph.D. and Assistant Professor at Howard University College of Medicine and Adjunct Assistant Professor at JHUSOM (Departments of Dermatology). Dr. Byrd’s work focuses on the genetic basis of melasma. This grant will fund research to help discover unknown genetic causes of melasma to design personalized treatment options.

Dr. Mae Alexandra Carpenter, Ph.D. Trainee at Wright State University. Dr. Carpenter’s work explores how damaged DNA-containing particles are released and how they activate inflammatory pathways. Funding this research will help develop new therapeutic approaches to reduce UVB photosensitivity in autoinflammatory diseases.

Dr. Jennifer Powers, MD and Clinical Associate Professor in the Dept of Dermatology at the University of Iowa. Dr. Powers is interested in the influence of the microbiome and the healing environment on wound healing and scar formation. Funding for this research will help understand how the immune system and microbiota interact to modify scar formation from ulcers and surgical wounds.

“Congratulations to each of our 2022 grant award recipients,” added Dr. Gildea. “These individuals were carefully chosen in collaboration with the Society for Investigative Dermatology—and we are thrilled to support their research.”

The sponsorship and grants revealed at SID are just the latest efforts by Mary Kay to reinforce the company’s long-standing commitment to advancing skin health research and development. Mary Kay holds more than 1,600 patents for products, technologies, and packaging designs in its global portfolio.

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty company in 1963 with one goal: enriching women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a multibillion-dollar company with millions of independent sales force members in nearly 40 countries. As an entrepreneurship development company, Mary Kay is committed to empowering women on their journey to economic independence through education, mentorship, advocacy, networking, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in enriching lives today for a sustainable tomorrow, partnering with organizations from around the world focusing on promoting business excellence, supporting cancer research, advancing gender equality, protecting survivors from domestic abuse, beautifying our communities, and encouraging children to follow their dreams.

“>BUSINESS WIRE)–Mary Kay Inc., a global leader in skincare innovation, recently sponsored and revealed its inaugural Mary Kay Skin Health/Skin Disease Research Grants awardees for researchers conducting groundbreaking, innovative studies in skin health and skin disease at the 2022 Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) Annual Meeting.

“As a decades-long leader in global cosmetics and skincare innovation, Mary Kay remains committed to enriching women’s lives across the world,” said Dr. Lucy Gildea, Mary Kay’s Chief Innovation Officer, Product and Science, at the event. “We also have a steadfast commitment to producing the highest quality products and conducting breakthrough skin science research. We recognize collaboration is crucial to new discoveries, and partnerships with scientific, medical, and academic communities are vital collaborations—which is why we’re thrilled to award these scientific grants.”

The Mary Kay Skin Health/Skin Disease Research Grants were announced at last year’s meeting in partnership with SID. The $25,000 grants were to be awarded to four researchers conducting incredible work in skin research to uncover new perspectives and invention strategies. In the months following the 2021 SID meeting, the company received applications from scientists across the country.

The four grant awardees ultimately selected were:

Dr. Allison C. Billi, MD, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor in the Dept of Dermatology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Billi’s primary research goal is to understand “what drives photoaging.” The grant will fund research to identify targetable pathways that help prevent or potentially reverse the effects of photoaging.

Dr. Angel S. Byrd, MD, Ph.D. and Assistant Professor at Howard University College of Medicine and Adjunct Assistant Professor at JHUSOM (Departments of Dermatology). Dr. Byrd’s work focuses on the genetic basis of melasma. This grant will fund research to help discover unknown genetic causes of melasma to design personalized treatment options.

Dr. Mae Alexandra Carpenter, Ph.D. Trainee at Wright State University. Dr. Carpenter’s work explores how damaged DNA-containing particles are released and how they activate inflammatory pathways. Funding this research will help develop new therapeutic approaches to reduce UVB photosensitivity in autoinflammatory diseases.

Dr. Jennifer Powers, MD and Clinical Associate Professor in the Dept of Dermatology at the University of Iowa. Dr. Powers is interested in the influence of the microbiome and the healing environment on wound healing and scar formation. Funding for this research will help understand how the immune system and microbiota interact to modify scar formation from ulcers and surgical wounds.

“Congratulations to each of our 2022 grant award recipients,” added Dr. Gildea. “These individuals were carefully chosen in collaboration with the Society for Investigative Dermatology—and we are thrilled to support their research.”

The sponsorship and grants revealed at SID are just the latest efforts by Mary Kay to reinforce the company’s long-standing commitment to advancing skin health research and development. Mary Kay holds more than 1,600 patents for products, technologies, and packaging designs in its global portfolio.

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty company in 1963 with one goal: enriching women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a multibillion-dollar company with millions of independent sales force members in nearly 40 countries. As an entrepreneurship development company, Mary Kay is committed to empowering women on their journey to economic independence through education, mentorship, advocacy, networking, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in enriching lives today for a sustainable tomorrow, partnering with organizations from around the world focusing on promoting business excellence, supporting cancer research, advancing gender equality, protecting survivors from domestic abuse, beautifying our communities,

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The EU-US Task Force on European Energy Security met virtually on June 22, 2022 convened by co-chairs Amos Hochstein, US Senior Advisor for Energy Security, and Björn Seibert, Head of Cabinet of the European Commission President, and under the leadership of Ditte Juul Jørgensen, European Commission Director General for Energy, and Melanie Nakagawa, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Climate and Energy at the National Security Council. The discussion focused on reviewing progress since the signing of the March 25 Joint Statement by Presidents Biden and von der Leyen and charting its next steps. The sides denounced Russia’s continued energy coercion of European Union Member States and underscored their continued commitment to reduce dependency on Russian fossil fuels by diversifying Europe’s energy supply and taking concrete steps to reduce energy demand through energy efficiency, smart technology deployment and greater use of renewable energy.

Press contacts Eric MAMER Phone +32 2 299 40 73 Mail eric.mamer@ec.europa.eu Tim McPHIE Phone + 32 2 295 86 02 Mail tim.mcphie@ec.europa.eu

EU-LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN PARTNERSHIP: MANUFACTURING VACCINES, MEDICINES AND HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES AND STRENGTHENING HEALTH SYSTEMS

At the European Development Days, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, launched today a new European Union – Latin America and Caribbean partnership on local manufacturing of vaccines, medicines and other health technologies, and strengthening health systems resilience, that will complement and further enhance social, economic and scientific ties between the two regions. It will boost Latin America’s manufacturing capacity, foster equitable access to quality, effective, safe and affordable health products and help strengthen health resilience in the region to tackle endemic and emerging diseases, and enhance capacities to cope with non-communicable diseases.

President von der Leyen said: “Europe and Latin America are solid allies with strong historical, commercial, economic and social ties. Under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy we are deepening our cooperation even further in the vital area of healthcare. I believe in the transformative power of this partnership that connects the talent and innovation of the New Continent with the strengths of the EU. Investment in health is an investment in prosperity and wellbeing”.

Prime Minister Sánchez highlighted: “The war in Ukraine shows us that not everyone shares our values and principles. Therefore, we must walk together with other regions with which we do share them, and do so hand in hand, using our understanding as a source of global transformation. The initiative we are launching today is a European recognition of the needs of Latin America and the Caribbean and an example of the European Union’s willingness to renew the way it engages with the region”.

Building smart and sustainable connections for health

The initiative, which is developed and will be implemented together with a broad range of LAC partners, will support ongoing regional efforts, including the Plan for self-sufficiency in health matters, endorsed by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in September 2021, which sets out lines of action to strengthen capacities to produce and distribute vaccines and medicines in the region.

The partnership will follow a comprehensive approach similar to the Team Europe initiative on manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines and health technologies in Africa, covering supply, demand and an enabling environment for sustainability. It will focus on continent-wide actions with potential to underpin systems and drive change on:

Private-sector engagement, supply chains and finance for manufacturing capacity

Technology transfer, research and innovation

Regulatory frameworks and the enabling environment

These actions may soon be complemented with additional support at regional and country level.

The partnership represents an opportunity to pursue public health goals, stimulate growth and decent jobs in both regions, bring in private sector innovation, facilitate trade, diversify global value chains, and reinforce scientific, diplomatic and human bonds between Europe and Latin America.

Background

As discussed at the EU-LAC leaders meeting in December 2021, diversification of global pharmaceutical production is essential for global health security and the European Union is keen to contribute to the success of Latin American pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech industries in an ecosystem conducive to ensuring equitable access to quality products.

The Commission will closely engage with Latin American partners, EU Member States, international organisations such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN ECLAC), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the private sector. A number of EU Member States, led by Spain, have indicated their interest in joint activities under this partnership.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The Commission welcomes the political agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council today on the Serious Cross-Border Threats to Health Regulation. The new rules are providing the EU with a comprehensive legal framework to govern joint action on preparedness, surveillance, risk assessment, and early warning and response.

Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said: “With today’s agreement, we have a solid EU Health Security Framework that will allow us to detect, prepare and respond much better to future pandemics or other serious health threats. As all the European Health Union proposals are now on the table, we call on institutions to work together for their quick adoption.”

Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, said: “Today we deliver on our political vision for a strong European Health Union. Over the past two years, we have reinforced our EU Agencies and set up a new European Health Emergency and Preparedness Authority, HERA, and today we are adding the most important health security pillar. As of now we also have a stronger cooperation framework to prevent, prepare and respond to cross-border health threats. COVID-19 is still with us and we see emerging health threats like monkeypox, against which our Health Union is needed today more than ever.”

The Regulation strengthens preparedness and response planning, and sets out the rules for an improved, flexible and integrated surveillance system. It also increases the capacity of the Union and its Member States to do accurate risk assessments and take targeted response actions, including joint procurement of medical countermeasures, such as vaccines and therapeutics.

The Regulation on Cross-border threats to health is the final pillar of the foundations of a stronger European Health Union. It follows the adoption of reinforced mandates for the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the emergency framework regarding medical countermeasures.

Next steps

The Council and the European Parliament will now formally have to adopt the new regulation before it can enter into force.

Background

In its proposal for a European Health Union in November 2020, the Commission focused on crisis prevention, preparedness and response measures. The proposal on a reinforced mandate for the European Medicines Agency was the first of the crisis-related proposals to be adopted. Today’s political agreement on the Proposal for a Regulation on serious cross-border threats to health allows for the adoption of a Regulation for reinforcing the mandate of the European Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control (ECDC) to provide stronger coordination and scientific recommendations in preparation for and during health crises, and of a Regulation on the emergency framework regarding medical countermeasures. Together, these proposals reflect the lessons learnt from COVID-19 and form the basis for a strong European Health Union.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Acknowledging the urgency to act in order to increase energy independence and to work towards reducing energy prices in the EU and in Norway, while cutting our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and improving Europe’s resilience to the negative consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and of climate change, the European Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans, Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson and Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Aasland agreed today to further strengthen the close cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Norway in the field of energy, with a view to deepen their long-term energy partnership.

The parties highlighted the particularly strong relationship between the EU and Norway as neighbours, partners, and allies, sharing common fundamental values, climate objectives and a common regulatory framework through the European Economic Area (EEA), as well as a continuous energy policy dialogue:

Noting that Norway is the biggest producer of oil and gas in Europe with a production contributing significantly to European energy security by delivering approximately ¼ of EU-countries’ gas consumption.

Noting also the importance of the European energy market as the main export market for the Norwegian gas and oil sector and future potential for cooperation on offshore renewable energy and hydrogen, driven by ambitious EU objectives under RePowerEU Plan, and on carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Noting the EU Energy Platform, established on 7 April 2022, to secure the EU’s energy supply at affordable prices in the current geopolitical context and to phase out dependency on Russian gas.

Noting that average CO2- and methane-emissions from production of oil and gas in Norway is low in a global context, less than half of the global average. Underscoring that Norway and the EU are committed to the Paris Agreement and to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and to working together to ensure a clean energy transition with reliable access to energy.

Agreeing that the importance of Norway’s oil and gas production for European energy security has increased further after Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.

Appreciating that the oil and gas producing companies in Norway are currently producing gas at very high capacity. Given the high production levels seen in Norway in the first months of the year – a trend that is anticipated to continue for the rest of the year – there is strong potential for increased sales to Europe in 2022, bringing close to 100 TWh of extra energy to the European market.

Acknowledging the mutual interest of Norway and the EU to ensure orderly and well-functioning markets for gas and electricity, recognising the impact of high energy prices on households and the economy in both the EU and Norway.

Underscoring the reliability of Norway as a safe and prudent supplier of oil and gas to Europe over the last 50 years from fields all over the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Recognising that Norway has significant remaining oil and gas resources and can, through continued exploration, new discoveries and field developments, continue to be a large supplier to Europe also in the longer term beyond 2030. The EU supports Norway’s continued exploration and investments to bring oil and gas to the European market.

Appreciating the role of the existing EU-Norway Energy Dialogue, and Norway being a part of the internal market through the EEA agreement.

European Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans, Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson and Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Aasland therefore agreed to step up cooperation in order to ensure additional short-term and long-term gas supplies from Norway, to address the issue of high energy prices, and to develop long-term cooperation on offshore renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and energy research and development with a view to developing an even deeper long-term energy partnership.

Source: Cyprus News Agency