Brussels: Cyprus' priorities for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the field of energy will be presented in Brussels by Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michalis Damianos at a meeting of EU energy ministers on Monday. Damianos will outline the main priorities of the Cyprus EU Presidency to his counterparts during the last meeting of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) held under the Danish Presidency.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Council's agenda includes the adoption of a partial General Approach on the proposal for a regulation establishing the Connecting Europe Facility mechanism. The proposal forms part of the next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034 and provides the legal basis for investments in trans-European transport and energy networks, including cross-border renewable energy projects.
Ministers will also hold a policy debate on the EU Grids Package, a set of measures aimed at the modernisation and expansion of European energy networks, which was presented by the European Commission on December 10. Discussions will further address the link between energy and broader security issues, with the participation of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. In addition, with the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, ministers will discuss energy supply security and the competitiveness of the European Union.
On the margins of the Council, Damianos is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with fellow ministers attending the session. The Minister is scheduled to return to Cyprus on Tuesday.