The Commission unveiled a package of energy security measures to equip the EU for a global energy transition to address possible energy supply interruptions. Energy security is one of the cornerstones of the Energy Union strategy, a key political priority of the Juncker Commission.
The package sets out a wide range of measures to strengthen the EU's resilience to gas supply disruptions. These measures include; moderating energy demand, increasing energy production in Europe (including from renewables), further developing a well-functioning and fully integrated internal energy market, as well as diversification of energy sources, suppliers and routes. Further, the proposals bring more transparency to the European energy market and create more solidarity between the Member States.
The energy security package is presented in light of a new global and universal agreement on climate change, adopted by world leaders on 12 December 2015 in Paris. The Paris Agreement sent a strong signal to businesses and policy-makers placing clean energy on an irreversible pathway and setting the scene for a global energy transition.
Vice-President responsible for Energy Union, Maroš Šefčovič said: "The Energy Union Strategy, launched one year ago, promised to provide all Europeans with energy which is secure, sustainable, and competitive. Today’s package focuses on the security of our supply, but touches upon all three overarching goals. By reducing our energy demand, and better managing our supply from external sources we are delivering on our promise and enhancing the stability of Europe’s energy market."