EU ministers responsible for energy policy, together with EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, this week held a videoconference to discuss the state of play and challenges of energy policy and the preparedness of the energy sector in responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Ministers concluded that the European energy system is resilient and that there is currently no risk to supply disruption.

Speaking after the meeting, Commissioner Simson underlined how, despite the unprecedented circumstances and a demand and supply shock in energy markets, there has been no disruption of supply in the EU, thanking Europe’s energy companies and network operators for their resilience.

On recovery, she stated that the EU should use this moment as an opportunity to accelerate the progress towards our climate neutrality goal. She also said that "The European Green Deal will be at the heart of the recovery plan and energy will have an important role to play".

Tomislav Coric, Energy minister for Croatia and current Council President, said:
"The energy sector is the backbone of the economy which ensures that a certain normality of life can continue".

In the course of today’s exchanges, there was strong support for the European Green Deal as a key part of the EU’s recovery strategy. The European Commission was asked to maintain its high level of ambition and proceed with its agenda of upcoming planned initiatives, such as the Energy Sector Integration proposal, the buildings renovation wave and the offshore wind proposal.

The national energy and climate plans were also discussed, and the Commissioner passed a clear message regarding their importance in delivering the energy union and the European Green Deal, insisting that those Member States still not having presented their plans should do so without delay.

The Commissioner concluded by saying:
"Now more than ever, we must stay true to our values and not lose sight of our long-term goals. Today's Council has sent a strong message that delivering a clean energy future must be at the heart of Europe's recovery from the crisis".