At the meeting of the Energy Council on 2 December 2021, Hungary was represented by Secretary of State Attila Steiner.
At the Council, the director of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) presented its preliminary report on the functioning of the wholesale energy market in the context of energy price volatility, the main findings of which were generally supported by ministers. Member States also presented their national measures to deal with high energy prices.
In his speech, Secretary of State Steiner emphasized that for Hungary the affordability of energy has been a priority for the Government for many years. Affordability and security of supply should also be taken into account when considering medium- and long-term measures. The current situation shows that all low carbon technologies will be needed, so he advocated for the recognition of nuclear energy as sustainable energy source and outlined the transitional role of natural gas. He presented the declaration signed by V4 Energy Ministers on this subject on 18 November. He welcomed the fact that in the final report, ACER will address options for protecting consumers from excessive price volatility.
During the policy debate on the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Directives, ministers generally supported the increased ambition, acknowledging the contribution of renewable energy and energy efficiency to achieving the 55% emission reduction target. At the same time, they called for more flexibility to meet the overall national target. Together with Hungary, several delegations underlined the different starting points, different climatic and economic conditions of member states, and advocated for a fair and just energy transition.
Finally, the Commission provided information on current developments in external energy relations and presented its sixth report on the state of the Energy Union.
