title: Commission Recommendation of 18 June 2019 on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Estonia covering the period 2021-2030

text:
               3.9.2019

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 297/21

      COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
      of 18 June 2019
      on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Estonia covering the period 2021-2030
      (2019/C 297/06)
      THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
      Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1), and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,
      Whereas:

                  (1)

                  Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, each Member State is required to submit to the Commission a draft of its integrated national energy and climate plan covering the period from 2021 to 2030 in accordance with Article 3(1) and Annex I of that Regulation. The first drafts of integrated national energy and climate plans had to be submitted by 31 December 2018.

                  (2)

                  Estonia submitted its draft integrated national energy and climate plan on 28 December 2018. The submission of this draft plan represents the basis and first step of the iterative process between the Commission and Member States for the purpose of the finalisation of the integrated national energy and climate plans and their subsequent implementation.

                  (3)

                  Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, the Commission is required to assess the draft integrated national energy and climate plans. The Commission made a comprehensive assessment of the Estonian draft integrated national energy and climate plan, taking into consideration the relevant elements of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. This assessment (2) is published alongside the present recommendation. The below recommendations are based on that assessment.

                  (4)

                  In particular, the Commission's recommendations may address (i) the level of ambition of objectives, targets and contributions with a view to collectively achieving the Energy Union objectives and, in particular, the Union's 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as the level of electricity interconnectivity that the Member State aims for in 2030; (ii) policies and measures relating to Member State- and Union-level objectives and other policies and measures of potential cross-border relevance; (iii) any additional policies and measures that might be required in the integrated national energy and climate plans; (iv) interactions between and consistency of existing and planned policies and measures included in the integrated national energy and climate plan within one dimension and among different dimensions of the Energy Union.

                  (5)

                  In developing its recommendations, the Commission considered, on the one hand, the need to add up certain quantified planned contributions of all Member States in order to assess the ambition at Union level, and, on the other hand, the need to provide adequate time for the Member State concerned to take due consideration of the Commission's recommendations before finalising its integrated national energy and climate plan.

                  (6)

                  The Commission's recommendations with regard to the Member States' renewable ambitions are based on a formula set out in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 which is based on objective criteria.

                  (7)

                  With regard to energy efficiency, the Commission's recommendations are based on the assessment of the national level of ambition put forward in the draft integrated national energy and climate plan, compared to the collective level of efforts needed to reach the Union's targets, taking into account the information provided on specific national circumstances, where relevant. The final national contributions in the area of energy efficiency should reflect the cost-effective potential for energy savings and be supported with a robust long-term building renovation strategy and measures to implement the energy savings obligation stemming from Article 7 Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (3). Member States should also demonstrate that they have properly taken into account the energy efficiency first principle, by explaining notably how energy efficiency contributes to the cost-effective delivery of the national goals of a competitive low-carbon economy, security of energy supply and to address energy poverty.

                  (8)

                  The Governance Regulation requires Member States to provide a general overview of the investment needed to achieve the objectives, targets and contributions set out in the integrated national energy and climate plan, as well as a general assessment on the sources of that investment. The national energy and climate plans should ensure the transparency and predictability of national policies and measures in order to ensure investment certainty.

                  (9)

                  In parallel, as part of the 2018-2019 European Semester cycle, the Commission has put a strong focus on Member States' energy and climate related investment needs. This is reflected in the 2019 Country Report for Estonia (4) and in the Commission's recommendation for a Council Recommendation to Estonia (5), as part of the European Semester process. The Commission took into account the latest European Semester findings and recommendations in its assessment of the draft integrated national energy and climate plans. The Commission's recommendations are complementary to the latest country-specific recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester. Member States should also ensure that their integrated national energy and climate plans take into consideration the latest country-specific recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester.

                  (10)

                  In addition, the Governance Regulation requires each Member State to take due account of any recommendations from the Commission to its draft integrated national energy and climate plan to be submitted by 31 December 2019 and, if the Member State concerned does not address a recommendation or a substantial part thereof, that Member State should provide and make public its reasons.

                  (11)

                  Where applicable, Member States should report the same data in their integrated national energy and climate plans and updates in later years as they report to Eurostat or the European Environment Agency. The use of the same source and, where available, of European statistics, is also essential to calculate the baseline for modelling and projections. Using European statistics will allow for a better comparability of the data and the projections used in the integrated national energy and climate plans.

                  (12)

                  All elements of Annex I of the Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 are to be included in the final integrated national energy and climate plan. In this context, the macroeconomic and, to the extent feasible, the health, environmental, employment and education, skills and social impacts of the planned policies and measures should be assessed. The public and other stakeholders are to be engaged in the preparation of the final integrated national energy and climate plan. These and other elements are described in detail in the staff working document published alongside this Recommendation (6).

                  (13)

                  In the final plan Estonia should take into account interlinkages between the planned policies and measures, notably, by considering the implications of the energy efficiency first principle on the decarbonisation, energy security and internal energy market dimensions. The contribution of energy efficiency to reducing energy import dependency and offsetting the impact of the reduction of electricity generation from oil shale are important elements in this regard, also with a view to integrating increasing shares of renewables and ensuring future electricity system generation adequacy. The impact of climate change risks on energy supply is another relevant consideration. Estonia should pay particular attention to specifying the implementation status and impacts of policies and measures, as well as providing greenhouse gas projections split by policy sector (emission trading system, effort sharing sectors and land use, land use and forestry). Similarly, the objectives under the research, innovation and competitiveness dimension need to underpin the efforts planned for the other Energy Union dimensions.

                  (14)

                  The final integrated national energy and climate plan would benefit from presenting a comprehensive analysis on where the low-carbon technologies sector is currently positioned in the global market, highlighting areas of competitive strengths and potential challenges and pointing at measurable objectives for the future and policies and measures to achieve them, making appropriate links to enterprise and industrial policy. It could also benefit from a better interaction with the circular economy, emphasising its greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential.

                  (15)

                  The Commission's recommendations to Estonia are underpinned by the assessment of Estonia's draft integrated national energy and climate plan which is published alongside this Recommendation (7),

            HEREBY RECOMMENDS ESTONIA TAKES ACTION TO:

                  1.

                  Clarify how it plans to reach its greenhouse gas target for emissions not covered by the EU emissions trading system of -13 % below 2005, including the role of the land use, land use change and forestry sector. This requires notably to analyse further the combined impact of the planned policies and applying the accounting rules under Regulation (EU) 2018/841.

                  2.

                  Underpin the welcomed level of ambition of a 42 % renewable energy share for 2030 as Estonia's contribution to the Union's 2030 target for renewable energy by detailed and quantified policies and measures that are in line with the obligations requested in Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and Council (8), to enable a timely and cost-effective achievement of this contribution. Provide additional details on measures to meet the indicative target in the heating and cooling sector pursuant to Article 23 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 and ensure that adequate measures are in place for the increase of renewables to meet the transport target set out in the draft plan and in line with Article 25 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001. Provide additional details on the specific measures planned to ensure the long-term sustainability of the use of biomass in the energy sector, given the important contribution of biomass across the Estonian energy mix. Provide measures on the enabling frameworks for renewable self-consumption and renewable energy communities, in line with Articles 21 and 22 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 including simplification of administrative procedures.

                  3.

                  Increase the level of ambition towards decreasing both final and primary energy consumption in 2030 in view of the need to increase the level of efforts necessary to reach the Union's 2030 energy efficiency target. Support it with policies and measures that would deliver additional energy savings by 2030. In the final plan include all the policies and measures planned to achieve the cumulative savings goal with a realistic schedule of implementation and a clear assessment of their investment needs.

                  4.

                  Specify measures to ensure the electricity generation adequacy in light of the ambitious renewables target, including measures on demand response and storage.

                  5.

                  Define forward-looking objectives and targets concerning market integration, in particular measures to develop more competitive retail markets and to increase the level of consumer engagement in the retail market.

                  6.

                  Further clarify the national objectives and funding targets in research, innovation and competitiveness, specifically related to the Energy Union, to be achieved between now and 2030, so that they are readily measurable and fit for purpose to support the implementation of targets in the other dimensions of the integrated national energy and climate Plan. Underpin such objectives with specific and adequate policies and measures, including those to be developed in cooperation with other Member States, such as the Strategic Energy Technology Plan.

                  7.

                  Intensify the already good regional cooperation arrangements between Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania); extend them to new areas and broaden the geographic reach to include the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden). The focus of the regional exchanges should be on internal energy market and energy security areas, in view to the changes in the electricity systems accommodating higher shares of renewable electricity, which will increase electricity import/export and enhance the need for system flexibility, as well as on the decarbonisation of the transport sector and research.

                  8.

                  Provide a general overview on the investment needed to modernise its economy by reaching its energy and climate objectives, and a general assessment of the sources of that investment, including appropriate financing at national, regional and Union level.

                  9.

                  List actions undertaken and plans to phase-out energy subsidies, in particular for fossil fuels.

                  10.

                  Complement the analysis of the interactions with air quality and air emissions policy, presenting the impacts on air pollution for the various scenarios, providing underpinning air pollutant projections, and considering synergies and trade-off effects.

                  11.

                  Integrate just and fair transition aspects better, notably by providing more details on social, employment and skills impacts of planned objectives, policies and measures. Further develop the approach to addressing energy poverty issues, including by highlighting the use of energy efficiency measures to alleviate energy poverty as required by the Regulation (EU) 2018/1999.

         Done at Brussels, 18 June 2019:.

               For the Commission

            Miguel ARIAS CAÑETE

               Member of the Commission

         (1)  OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1.

         (2)  SWD(2019) 277.

         (3)  Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, amending Directives 2009/125/EC and 2010/30/EU and repealing Directives 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC (OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 1).

         (4)  SWD (2019) 1005 final.

         (5)  COM (2019) 506 final of 5 June 2019.

         (6)  SWD(2019) 277.

         (7)  SWD(2019) 277.

         (8)  Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82).


title: Commission Recommendation of 18 June 2019 on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Lithuania covering the period 2021-2030

text:
               3.9.2019

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 297/56

      COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
      of 18 June 2019
      on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Lithuania covering the period 2021-2030
      (2019/C 297/15)
      THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
      Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1), and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,
      Whereas:

                  (1)

                  Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, each Member State is required to submit to the Commission a draft of its integrated national energy and climate plan covering the period from 2021 to 2030 in accordance with Article 3(1) and Annex I of that Regulation. The first drafts of integrated national energy and climate plans had to be submitted by 31 December 2018.

                  (2)

                  Lithuania submitted its draft integrated national energy and climate plan on 17 December 2018. The submission of this draft plan represents the basis and first step of the iterative process between the Commission and Member States for the purpose of the finalisation of the integrated national energy and climate plans and their subsequent implementation.

                  (3)

                  Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, the Commission is required to assess the draft integrated national energy and climate plans. The Commission made a comprehensive assessment of the Lithuanian draft integrated national energy and climate plan, taking into consideration the relevant elements of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. This assessment (2) is published alongside the present recommendation. The below recommendations are based on that assessment.

                  (4)

                  In particular, the Commission's recommendations may address (i) the level of ambition of objectives, targets and contributions with a view to collectively achieving the Energy Union objectives and, in particular, the Union's 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as the level of electricity interconnectivity that the Member State aims for in 2030; (ii) policies and measures relating to Member State- and Union-level objectives and other policies and measures of potential cross-border relevance; (iii) any additional policies and measures that might be required in the integrated national energy and climate plans; (iv) interactions between and consistency of existing and planned policies and measures included in the integrated national energy and climate plan within one dimension and among different dimensions of the Energy Union.

                  (5)

                  In developing its recommendations, the Commission considered, on the one hand, the need to add up certain quantified planned contributions of all Member States in order to assess the ambition at Union level, and, on the other hand, the need to provide adequate time for the Member State concerned to take due consideration of the Commission's recommendations before finalising its national integrated energy and climate plan.

                  (6)

                  The Commission's recommendations with regard to the Member States' renewable ambitions are based on a formula set out in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 which is based on objective criteria.

                  (7)

                  With regard to energy efficiency, the Commission's recommendations are based on the assessment of the national level of ambition put forward in the draft integrated national energy and climate plan, compared to the collective level of efforts needed to reach the Union's targets, taking into account the information provided on specific national circumstances, where relevant. The final national contributions in the area of energy efficiency should reflect the cost-effective potential for energy savings and be supported with a robust long-term building renovation strategy and measures to implement the energy savings obligation stemming from Article 7 Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (3). Member States should also demonstrate that they have properly taken into account the energy efficiency first principle, by explaining notably how energy efficiency contributes to the cost-effective delivery of the national goals of a competitive low-carbon economy, security of energy supply and to address energy poverty.

                  (8)

                  The Governance Regulation requires Member States to provide a general overview of the investment needed to achieve the objectives, targets and contributions set out in the integrated national energy and climate plan, as well as a general assessment on the sources of that investment. The national energy and climate plans should ensure the transparency and predictability of national policies and measures in order to ensure investment certainty.

                  (9)

                  In parallel, as part of the 2018-2019 European Semester cycle, the Commission has put a strong focus on Member States' energy and climate related investment needs. This is reflected in the 2019 Country Report for Lithuania (4) and in the Commission's recommendation for a Council Recommendation to Lithuania (5), as part of the European Semester process. The Commission took into account the latest European Semester findings and recommendations in its assessment of the draft integrated national energy and climate plans. The Commission's recommendations are complementary to the latest country-specific recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester. Member States should also ensure that their integrated national energy and climate plans take into consideration the latest country-specific recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester.

                  (10)

                  In addition, the Governance Regulation requires each Member State to take due account of any recommendations from the Commission to its draft integrated national energy and climate plan to be submitted by 31 December 2019 and, if the Member State concerned does not address a recommendation or a substantial part thereof, that Member State should provide and make public its reasons.

                  (11)

                  Where applicable, Member States should report the same data in their integrated national energy and climate plans and updates in later years as they report to Eurostat or the European Environment Agency. The use of the same source and, where available, of European statistics, is also essential to calculate the baseline for modelling and projections. Using European statistics will allow for a better comparability of the data and the projections used in the integrated national energy and climate plans.

                  (12)

                  All elements of Annex I of the Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 are to be included in the final integrated national energy and climate plan. In this context, the macroeconomic and, to the extent feasible, the health, environmental, employment and education, skills and social impacts of the planned policies and measures should be assessed. The public and other stakeholders are to be engaged in the preparation of the final integrated national energy and climate plan. These and other elements are described in detail in the staff working document published alongside this Recommendation (6).

                  (13)

                  The final plan should build on and expand in the interactions between different policies and measures across the Energy Union dimensions, which are already presented for, energy efficiency, renewable energy and the sectors not covered by the EU emissions trading system. The draft plan also acknowledges the importance of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures to energy security, which should be further developed in the final plan. Similarly, the final plan needs to consider the role of the internal market dimension and the research, innovation and competitiveness dimensions in underpinning the efforts planned for the other Energy Union dimensions. The consideration of the synergies between LULUCF sector and the Effort Sharing Regulation as well as the impact on the LULUCF sector of increased use of biomass for energy are also important parts of the final plan.

                  (14)

                  The final integrated national energy and climate plan would benefit from presenting a comprehensive analysis on where the low-carbon technologies sector is currently positioned in the global market, highlighting areas of competitive strengths and potential challenges and pointing at measurable objectives for the future and policies and measures to achieve them, making appropriate links to enterprise and industrial policy. It could also benefit from a better interaction with the circular economy, emphasising its greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential.

                  (15)

                  The Commission's recommendations to Lithuania are underpinned by the assessment of Lithuania's draft integrated national energy and climate plan which is published alongside this Recommendation (7),

            HEREBY RECOMMENDS LITHUANIA TAKES ACTION TO:

                  1.

                  Develop further its strategy for achieving its 2030 greenhouse gas target for sectors not covered by the EU emissions trading system of - 9 % compared to 2005. This includes specifying the role of the land use, land use change and forestry sector based on the accounting rules under Regulation (EU) 2018/841 and further defining the planned policies.

                  2.

                  Underpin the welcomed level of ambition of Lithuania's 45 % renewable energy share for 2030 put forward in the draft integrated national energy and climate plan as contribution to the Union's 2030 target for renewable energy by detailed and quantified policies and measures that are in line with the obligations laid down in Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and Council (8), to enable a timely and cost-effective achievement of this contribution. Include an indicative trajectory that reaches all the reference points pursuant to Article 4(a)(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. Put forward measures to meet the transport target set in its draft integrated national energy and climate plan and in line with Article 25 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001. Provide additional details on simplification of administrative procedures and on the enabling frameworks for renewable self-consumption and renewable energy communities, in line with Articles 21 and 22 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001.

                  3.

                  Substantially increase the level of its ambition towards reducing final and primary energy consumption in 2030, and to propose more ambitious policies and measures that would deliver additional energy savings in order to reach the Union's 2030 energy efficiency target. Express its national energy efficiency contribution in terms of absolute level of primary and final energy consumption in 2030. Provide more information on energy efficiency policies and measures, by indicating which ones will be continued after 2020, what new policies will be introduced after 2020 and what impacts they will have. In particular, consider putting in place additional energy efficiency measures targeting the transport sector.

                  4.

                  Specify the measures supporting the energy security objectives on diversification and reduction of energy dependency, including measures ensuring flexibility, and electricity generation adequacy in light of the ambitious renewables target, such as additional measures on demand response and storage. Take into account the regional context and the actual potential of the interconnectors and of the generation capacities in the neighbouring countries when assessing resource adequacy in the electricity sector.

                  5.

                  Define forward-looking objectives and targets concerning market integration, in particular measures to develop more competitive wholesale and retail markets, including progressing towards fully market based prices.

                  6.

                  Clarify the national objectives and funding targets research, innovation and competitiveness, specifically related to the Energy Union, to be achieved between 2020 and 2030, so that they are readily measurable and fit for purpose to support the implementation of targets in the other dimensions of the integrated national energy and climate plan. Underpin such objectives with specific and adequate policies and measures, including those to be developed in cooperation with other Member States, such as the Strategic Energy Technology Plan.

                  7.

                  Intensify the already good regional cooperation arrangements between Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), extending them to new areas and broadening the geographic reach to include the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden). The focus of the regional exchanges should be on internal energy market and energy security areas, in view to the changes in the electricity systems accommodating higher shares of renewable electricity, which will increase electricity import/export and enhance the need for system flexibility, as well as the decarbonisation of the transport sector and regional cooperation in research.

                  8.

                  Extend its analysis of the investment needed to modernise its economy by reaching its energy and climate objectives, and provide further detail on the sources of that investment, including appropriate financing at national, regional and Union level.

                  9.

                  List all energy subsidies, including in particular for fossil fuels, and actions undertaken as well as plans to phase them out.

                  10.

                  Include an analysis of the interactions with air quality and air emissions policy, presenting the impacts on air pollution for the various scenarios, providing underpinning information, and considering synergies and trade-off effects.

                  11.

                  Integrate just and fair transition aspects better, notably by providing more details on social, employment and skills impacts of planned objectives, and policies and measures. Further develop the approach to addressing energy poverty issues, including by specifying objectives and intended impacts of planned policies and measures as required by the Regulation (EU) 2018/1999.

         Done at Brussels, 18 June 2019.

               For the Commission

            Miguel ARIAS CAÑETE

               Member of the Commission

         (1)  OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1.

         (2)  SWD(2019) 228.

         (3)  Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, amending Directives 2009/125/EC and 2010/30/EU and repealing Directives 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC (OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 1).

         (4)  SWD (2019) 1014 final.

         (5)  COM (2019) 515 final of 5 June 2019.

         (6)  SWD(2019) 228.

         (7)  SWD(2019) 228.

         (8)  Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82).


title: Commission Recommendation of 18 June 2019 on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Hungary covering the period 2021-2030

text:
               3.9.2019

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 297/64

      COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
      of 18 June 2019
      on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Hungary covering the period 2021-2030
      (2019/C 297/17)
      THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
      Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1), and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,
      Whereas:

                  (1)

                  Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, each Member State is required to submit to the Commission a draft of its integrated national energy and climate plan covering the period from 2021 to 2030 in accordance with Article 3(1) and Annex I of that Regulation. The first drafts of integrated national energy and climate plans had to be submitted by 31 December 2018.

                  (2)

                  Hungary submitted its draft integrated national energy and climate plan on 31 January 2019. The submission of this draft plan represents the basis and first step of the iterative process between the Commission and Member States for the purpose of the finalisation of the integrated national energy and climate plans and their subsequent implementation.

                  (3)

                  Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, the Commission is required to assess the draft integrated national energy and climate plans. The Commission made a comprehensive assessment of the Hungarian draft integrated national energy and climate plan, taking into consideration the relevant elements of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. This assessment (2) is published alongside the present recommendation. The below recommendations are based on that assessment.

                  (4)

                  In particular, the Commission's recommendations may address (i) the level of ambition of objectives, targets and contributions with a view to collectively achieving the Energy Union objectives and, in particular, the Union's 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as the level of electricity interconnectivity that the Member State aims for in 2030; (ii) policies and measures relating to Member State- and Union-level objectives and other policies and measures of potential cross-border relevance; (iii) any additional policies and measures that might be required in the integrated national energy and climate plans; (iv) interactions between and consistency of existing and planned policies and measures included in the integrated national energy and climate plan within one dimension and among different dimensions of the Energy Union.

                  (5)

                  In developing its recommendations, the Commission considered, on the one hand, the need to add up certain quantified planned contributions of all Member States in order to assess the ambition at Union level, and, on the other hand, the need to provide adequate time for the Member State concerned to take due consideration of the Commission's recommendations before finalising its integrated national energy and climate plan.

                  (6)

                  The Commission's recommendations with regard to the Member States' renewable ambitions are based on a formula set out in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 which is based on objective criteria.

                  (7)

                  With regard to energy efficiency, the Commission's recommendations are based on the assessment of the national level of ambition put forward in the draft integrated national energy and climate plan, compared to the collective level of efforts needed to reach the Union's targets, taking into account the information provided on specific national circumstances, where relevant. The final national contributions in the area of energy efficiency should reflect the cost-effective potential for energy savings and be supported with a robust long-term building renovation strategy and measures to implement the energy savings obligation stemming from Article 7 Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (3). Member States should also demonstrate that they have properly taken into account the energy efficiency first principle, by explaining notably how energy efficiency contributes to the cost-effective delivery of the national goals of a competitive low-carbon economy, security of energy supply and to address energy poverty.

                  (8)

                  The Governance Regulation requires Member States to provide a general overview of the investment needed to achieve the objectives, targets and contributions set out in the integrated national energy and climate plan, as well as a general assessment on the sources of that investment. The national energy and climate plans should ensure the transparency and predictability of national policies and measures in order to ensure investment certainty.

                  (9)

                  In parallel, as part of the 2018-2019 European Semester cycle, the Commission has put a strong focus on Member States' energy and climate related investment needs. This is reflected in the 2019 Country Report for Hungary (4) and in the Commission's recommendation for a Council Recommendation to Hungary (5), as part of the European Semester process. The Commission took into account the latest European Semester findings and recommendations in its assessment of the draft integrated national energy and climate plans. The Commission's recommendations are complementary to the latest country-specific recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester. Member States should also ensure that their integrated national energy and climate plans take into consideration the latest country-specific recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester.

                  (10)

                  In addition, the Governance Regulation requires each Member State to take due account of any recommendations from the Commission to its draft integrated national energy and climate plan to be submitted by 31 December 2019 and, if the Member State concerned does not address a recommendation or a substantial part thereof, that Member State should provide and make public its reasons.

                  (11)

                  Where applicable, Member States should report the same data in their integrated national energy and climate plans and updates in later years as they report to Eurostat or the European Environment Agency. The use of the same source and, where available, of European statistics, is also essential to calculate the baseline for modelling and projections. Using European statistics will allow for a better comparability of the data and the projections used in the integrated national energy and climate plans.

                  (12)

                  All elements of Annex I of the Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 are to be included in the final integrated national energy and climate plan. In this context, the macroeconomic and, to the extent feasible, the health, environmental, employment and education, skills and social impacts of the planned policies and measures should be assessed. The public and other stakeholders are to be engaged in the preparation of the final integrated national energy and climate plan. These and other elements are described in detail in the staff working document published alongside this Recommendation (6).

                  (13)

                  While some policy interactions are already reflected in the plan at the level of objectives, Hungary should further develop its assessment of interlinkages between policies and measures in the final plan and describe how it intends to address them. In particular, Hungary should further elaborate on the synergies between decarbonisation, the energy security and internal market dimensions with the energy efficiency first principle by explaining how energy efficiency contributes to the cost-effective delivery of the national goals of a competitive low-carbon economy. The interactions between renewables electricity generation and the promotion of electromobility and grid development are elements to be further developed in the final plan. Similarly, the link between the foreseen increase of biomass use in heating and cooling sector and accounted emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry, as well as sustainability requirements should be further detailed in the final plan. Lastly, the objectives under the research, innovation and competitiveness dimension need to underpin the efforts planned for the other Energy Union dimensions.

                  (14)

                  The final integrated national energy and climate plan would benefit from presenting a comprehensive analysis on where the low-carbon technologies sector is currently positioned in the global market, highlighting areas of competitive strengths and potential challenges and pointing at measurable objectives for the future and policies and measures to achieve them, making appropriate links to enterprise and industrial policy. It could also benefit from a better interaction with the circular economy, emphasising its greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential.

                  (15)

                  The Commission's recommendations to Hungary are underpinned by the assessment of Hungary's draft integrated national energy and climate plan which is published alongside this Recommendation (7).

            HEREBY RECOMMENDS HUNGARY TAKES ACTION TO:

                  1.

                  Increase the level of ambition for 2030 to a renewable energy share of at least 23 % as Hungary's contribution to the Union's 2030 target for renewable energy, as indicated by the formula in Annex II under Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. Include an indicative trajectory in the final integrated national energy and climate plan that reaches all the reference points pursuant to Article 4(a)(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 in accordance with that share, in view of the need to increase the level of efforts for reaching this target collectively. Put forward detailed and quantified policies and measures that are in line with the obligations laid down in Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (8), to enable a timely and cost-effective achievement of this contribution. Increase the level of ambition in the heating and cooling sector to meet the indicative target included in Article 23 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001, and put forward measures to meet the transport target set in its plan and in line with Article 25 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001. Provide additional details on the specific measures to ensure sustainability for biomass supply and use in the energy sector, given the important contribution of biomass across the Hungarian energy mix, especially in heating and cooling. Put in place measures to overcome administrative burden and measures on the enabling frameworks for renewable self-consumption and renewable energy communities, in line with Articles 21 and 22 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001.

                  2.

                  Substantially increase the ambition towards reducing both final and primary energy consumption in 2030 in view of the need to increase the level of efforts to reach the Union's 2030 energy efficiency target. Propose more ambitious policies and measures that would deliver additional energy savings by 2030. In the final plan, make a clear distinction between the existing and additional policies and measures and provide a more comprehensive impact assessment of the planned initiatives and better estimate of the expected energy savings.

                  3.

                  Specify the measures supporting the energy security objectives on diversification and reduction of energy dependency, including measures ensuring flexibility, and the strategy to ensure the long-term supply of nuclear materials and fuel, in particular in the perspective of the enlargement of its nuclear generation capacity.

                  4.

                  Further detail forward-looking objectives and targets concerning market integration and put forward adequate policies and measures to achieve them. In addition, allow network operators to recover all their justified and efficiently incurred costs and give network operators access to effective legal review of regulatory decisions. Outline the strategy and timeline for progressing towards fully market based prices.

                  5.

                  Further quantify the national objectives and funding targets in research, innovation and competitiveness, specifically related to the Energy Union, to be achieved between now and 2030, so that they are readily measurable and fit for purpose to support the implementation of targets in the other dimensions of the final integrated national energy and climate plan. Underpin such objectives with specific and adequate policies and measures, including those to be developed in cooperation with other Member States, such as the Strategic Energy Technology Plan.

                  6.

                  Continue the consultation of neighbouring Member States and regional cooperation within the Central and South-Eastern Europe Energy Connectivity (CESEC) High Level Group and in the context of the Visegrad Group involving Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. The focus of regional exchanges could be on further integration in the internal energy market, decarbonisation and renewables deployment as well as research, innovation and competitiveness taking into account common challenges and shared objectives. This includes assessing system adequacy, just transition issues and energy system changes required for accommodating higher shares of renewables and other foreseen developments, which could impact electricity interconnections and trading in the region.

                  7.

                  Improve and extend its analysis of investment needs, which is currently provided for building efficiency, renewables and electromobility, to a general overview of investment needs to modernise its economy by achieving its energy and climate objectives. Provide a general assessment of the sources of that investment, including appropriate financing at national, regional and Union level. Consider also the cost-effective generation of transfers to other Member States under Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and Council (9) as funding source.

                  8.

                  List all energy subsidies, including in particular for fossil fuels, and actions undertaken as well as plans to phase them out.

                  9.

                  Complement the analysis of the interactions with air quality and air emissions policy with more quantitative information, at least including the required information about the projected air pollutants emissions under the planned policies and measures.

                  10.

                  Integrate just and fair transition aspects better, notably by providing more details on social, employment and skills impacts of planned objectives, and policies and measures. More specifically, the impact on the populations in the carbon-intensive or industrial regions should be addressed. Further develop the approach to addressing energy poverty issues, including by providing a dedicated assessment of energy poverty as required by the Regulation (EU) 2018/1999.

         Done at Brussels, 18 June 2019.

               For the Commission

            Miguel ARIAS CAÑETE

               Member of the Commission

         (1)  OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1.

         (2)  SWD(2019) 267.

         (3)  Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, amending Directives 2009/125/EC and 2010/30/EU and repealing Directives 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC (OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 1).

         (4)  SWD(2019) 1016 final.

         (5)  COM(2019) 517 final of 5 June 2019.

         (6)  SWD(2019) 267.

         (7)  SWD(2019) 267.

         (8)  Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82).

         (9)  Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030 contributing to climate action to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 (OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 26).


title: Commission Recommendation of 18 June 2019 on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Portugal covering the period 2021-2030

text:
               3.9.2019

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 297/84

      COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
      of 18 June 2019
      on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Portugal covering the period 2021-2030
      (2019/C 297/22)
      THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
      Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1), and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,
      Whereas:

                  (1)

                  Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, each Member State is required to submit to the Commission a draft of its integrated national energy and climate plan covering the period from 2021 to 2030 in accordance with Article 3(1) and Annex I of that Regulation. The first drafts of integrated national energy and climate plans had to be submitted by 31 December 2018.

                  (2)

                  Portugal submitted its draft integrated national energy and climate plan on 31 December 2018. The submission of this draft plan represents the basis and first step of the iterative process between the Commission and Member States for the purpose of the finalisation of the integrated national energy and climate plans and their subsequent implementation.

                  (3)

                  Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, the Commission is required to assess the draft integrated national energy and climate plans. The Commission made a comprehensive assessment of the Portuguese draft integrated national energy and climate plan, taking into consideration the relevant elements of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. This assessment (2) is published alongside the present recommendation. The below recommendations are based on that assessment.

                  (4)

                  In particular, the Commission's recommendations may address (i) the level of ambition of objectives, targets and contributions with a view to collectively achieving the Energy Union objectives and, in particular, the Union's 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as the level of electricity interconnectivity that the Member State aims for in 2030; (ii) policies and measures relating to Member State- and Union-level objectives and other policies and measures of potential cross-border relevance; (iii) any additional policies and measures that might be required in the integrated national energy and climate plans; (iv) interactions between and consistency of existing and planned policies and measures included in the integrated national energy and climate plan within one dimension and among different dimensions of the Energy Union.

                  (5)

                  In developing its recommendations, the Commission considered, on the one hand, the need to add up certain quantified planned contributions of all Member States in order to assess the ambition at Union level, and, on the other hand, the need to provide adequate time for the Member State concerned to take due consideration of the Commission's recommendations before finalising its national plan.

                  (6)

                  The Commission's recommendations with regard to the Member States' renewable ambitions are based on a formula set out in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 which is based on objective criteria.

                  (7)

                  With regard to energy efficiency, the Commission's recommendations are based on the assessment of the national level of ambition put forward in the draft integrated national energy and climate plan, compared to the collective level of efforts needed to reach the Union's targets, taking into account the information provided on specific national circumstances, where relevant. The final national contributions in the area of energy efficiency should reflect the cost-effective potential for energy savings and be supported with a robust long-term building renovation strategy and measures to implement the energy savings obligation stemming from Article 7 Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (3). Member States should also demonstrate that they have properly taken into account the energy efficiency first principle, by explaining notably how energy efficiency contributes to the cost-effective delivery of the national goals of a competitive low-carbon economy, security of energy supply and to address energy poverty.

                  (8)

                  The Governance Regulation requires Member States to provide a general overview of the investment needed to achieve the objectives, targets and contributions set out in the integrated national energy and climate plan, as well as a general assessment on the sources of that investment. The national energy and climate plans should ensure the transparency and predictability of national policies and measures in order to ensure investment certainty.

                  (9)

                  In parallel, as part of the 2018-2019 European Semester cycle, the Commission has put a strong focus on Member States' energy and climate related investment needs. This is reflected in the 2019 Country Report for Portugal (4) and in the Commission's recommendation for a Council Recommendation to Portugal (5), as part of the European Semester process. The Commission took into account the latest European Semester findings and recommendations in its assessment of the draft integrated national energy and climate plans. The Commission's recommendations are complementary to the latest country-specific recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester. Member States should also ensure that their integrated national energy and climate plans take into consideration the latest country-specific recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester.

                  (10)

                  In addition, the Governance Regulation requires each Member State to take due account of any recommendations from the Commission to its draft integrated national energy and climate plan to be submitted by 31 December 2019 and, if the Member State concerned does not address a recommendation or a substantial part thereof, that Member State should provide and make public its reasons.

                  (11)

                  Where applicable, Member States should report the same data in their integrated national energy and climate plans and updates in later years as they report to Eurostat or the European Environment Agency. The use of the same source and, where available, of European statistics, is also essential to calculate the baseline for modelling and projections. Using European statistics will allow for a better comparability of the data and the projections used in the integrated national energy and climate plans.

                  (12)

                  All elements of Annex I of the Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 are to be included in the final integrated national energy and climate plan. In this context, the macroeconomic and, to the extent feasible, the health, environmental, employment and education, skills and social impacts of the planned policies and measures should be assessed. The public and other stakeholders are to be engaged in the preparation of the final integrated national energy and climate plan. These and other elements are described in detail in the staff working document published alongside this Recommendation (6).

                  (13)

                  Portugal has a coherent set of medium and long-term emission reduction targets. To achieve the ambitioned decarbonisation it plans to electrify the economy. The electricity sector needs to be further developed through new renewable electricity capacity, in particular solar, wind and hydro. These developments have strong implications for other Energy Union dimensions, in particular the internal market dimension and research, innovation and competitiveness. The final plan needs to clarify the synergies between the decarbonisation, energy security and internal market dimensions with the energy efficiency first principle, by explaining how energy efficiency contributes to the cost-effective delivery of the national goals of a competitive low-carbon economy and to address its link to energy poverty. The objectives under the research, innovation and competitiveness dimension need to underpin the efforts planned for the other Energy Union dimensions.

                  (14)

                  The final integrated national energy and climate plan would benefit from presenting a comprehensive overview on competitiveness, not only of the energy-intensive industries, but also the low-carbon technology sector, providing a concrete analysis on the position in the global market, highlighting areas of competitive strengths and potential challenges, and pointing at measurable objectives for the future and policies and measures to achieve them, making appropriate links to enterprise and industrial policy. It could also benefit from further elaboration on the interaction with the circular economy.

                  (15)

                  The Commission's recommendations to Portugal are underpinned by the assessment of Portugal's draft integrated national energy and climate plan which is published alongside this Recommendation (7).

            HEREBY RECOMMENDS THAT PORTUGAL TAKES ACTION TO:

                  1.

                  Underpin the welcome level of ambition of a 47 % renewable energy share for 2030 as Portugal's contribution to the Union's 2030 target for renewable energy by detailed and quantified policies and measures that are in line with the obligations requested in Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and Council (8) in a way that enables a timely and cost-effective achievement of this contribution. Include in the final integrated national energy and climate plan, among others, an indicative trajectory that reaches all the reference points pursuant to Article 4(a)(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. Increase the level of ambition in the heating and cooling sector to meet the indicative target included in Article 23 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 and put forward measures to meet the transport target set in its integrated national energy and climate plan and in line with Article 25 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001. Provide additional information on the simplification of administrative procedures and provide additional details on the enabling frameworks for renewable self-consumption and renewable energy communities, in line with Articles 21 and 22 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001.

                  2.

                  Substantially increase ambition for final energy consumption contribution, in view of the need to increase the level of efforts to reach the Union's 2030 energy efficiency target and identify additional policies and measures that could deliver further energy savings by 2030. Provide a proper quantification of the energy savings expected from the planned policies and measures as part of a more detailed impact assessment and indicate how they would contribute to the national energy efficiency contributions.

                  3.

                  Define forward-looking objectives and targets concerning market integration, in particular measures to develop more competitive electricity and gas markets, including progressing towards fully market based prices.

                  4.

                  Further clarify national objectives and funding targets in research, innovation and competitiveness, specifically related to the Energy Union, to be achieved between now and 2030, so that they are readily measurable and fit for purpose to support the implementation of targets in the other dimensions of the integrated national energy and climate plan. Underpin such objectives with specific and adequate policies and measures, including those to be developed in cooperation with other Member States, such as the Strategic Energy Technology Plan.

                  5.

                  Intensify the existing good regional cooperation with Spain and France. The focus of the regional exchanges should be on internal energy market and energy security areas, in particular cross-border and cross regional interconnections. Consider strengthening measures related to regional cooperation in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

                  6.

                  Provide a general overview on the investment needed to modernise its economy by reaching its energy and climate objectives, articulated with its national investment plan. Provide a general assessment of the sources of that investment, including appropriate financing at national, regional and Union level. Consider also the cost-effective generation of transfers to other Member States under Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and the Council (9) as funding source.

                  7.

                  List all energy subsidies, including in particular for fossil fuels, and actions undertaken as well as plans to phase them out.

                  8.

                  Complement the analysis of the interactions with air quality and air emissions policy, presenting the impacts on air pollution for the various scenarios, providing underpinning information, and considering synergies and trade-off effects.

                  9.

                  Integrate just and fair transition aspects better, notably by providing more details on social, employment and skills impacts of planned objectives, policies and measures. Further develop the approach to addressing energy poverty issues, including by providing an assessment of the number and type of households in energy poverty and objectives for reducing energy poverty as required by the Regulation (EU) 2018/1999.

         Done at Brussels, 18 June 2019.

               For the Commission

            Miguel ARIAS CAÑETE

               Member of the Commission

         (1)  OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1.

         (2)  SWD(2019) 272.

         (3)  Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, amending Directives 2009/125/EC and 2010/30/EU and repealing Directives 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC (OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 1).

         (4)  SWD(2019) 1021 final.

         (5)  COM(2019) 522 final of 5 June 2019.

         (6)  SWD(2019) 272.

         (7)  SWD(2019) 272.

         (8)  Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82).

         (9)  Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030 contributing to climate action to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 (OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 26).


title: Commission Recommendation of 18 June 2019 on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Slovenia covering the period 2021-2030

text:
               3.9.2019

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 297/92

      COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
      of 18 June 2019
      on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Slovenia covering the period 2021-2030
      (2019/C 297/24)
      THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
      Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1), and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,
      Whereas:

                  (1)

                  Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, each Member State is required to submit to the Commission a draft of its integrated national energy and climate plan covering the period from 2021 to 2030 in accordance with Article 3(1) and Annex I of that Regulation. The first drafts of integrated national energy and climate plans had to be submitted by 31 December 2018.

                  (2)

                  Slovenia submitted its draft integrated national energy and climate plan on 31 December 2018. submission of this draft plan represents the basis and first step of the iterative process between the Commission and Member States for the purpose of the finalisation of the integrated national energy and climate plans and their subsequent implementation.

                  (3)

                  Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, the Commission is required to assess the draft integrated national energy and climate plans. The Commission made a comprehensive assessment of the Slovenian draft integrated national energy and climate plan, taking into consideration the relevant elements of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. This assessment (2) is published alongside the present recommendation. The below recommendations are based on that assessment.

                  (4)

                  In particular, the Commission's recommendations may address (i) the level of ambition of objectives, targets and contributions with a view to collectively achieving the Energy Union objectives and, in particular, the Union's 2030 targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as the level of electricity interconnectivity that the Member State aims for in 2030; (ii) policies and measures relating to Member State- and Union-level objectives and other policies and measures of potential cross-border relevance; (iii) any additional policies and measures that might be required in the integrated national energy and climate plans; (iv) interactions between and consistency of existing and planned policies and measures included in the integrated national energy and climate plan within one dimension and among different dimensions of the Energy Union.

                  (5)

                  In developing its recommendations, the Commission considered, on the one hand, the need to add up certain quantified planned contributions of all Member States in order to assess the ambition at Union level, and, on the other hand, the need to provide adequate time for the Member State concerned to take due consideration of the Commission's recommendations before finalising its national plan.

                  (6)

                  The Commission's recommendations with regard to the Member States' renewable ambitions are based on a formula set out in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 which is based on objective criteria.

                  (7)

                  With regard to energy efficiency, the Commission's recommendations are based on the assessment of the national level of ambition put forward in the draft integrated national energy and climate plan, compared to the collective level of efforts needed to reach the Union's targets, taking into account the information provided on specific national circumstances, where relevant. The final national contributions in the area of energy efficiency should reflect the cost-effective potential for energy savings and be supported with a robust long-term building renovation strategy and measures to implement the energy savings obligation stemming from Article 7 Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (3). Member States should also demonstrate that they have properly taken into account the energy efficiency first principle, by explaining notably how energy efficiency contributes to the cost-effective delivery of the national goals of a competitive low-carbon economy, security of energy supply and to address energy poverty.

                  (8)

                  The Governance Regulation requires Member States to provide a general overview of the investment needed to achieve the objectives, targets and contributions set out in the integrated national energy and climate plan, as well as a general assessment on the sources of that investment. The national energy and climate plans should ensure the transparency and predictability of national policies and measures in order to ensure investment certainty.

                  (9)

                  In parallel, as part of the 2018-2019 European Semester cycle, the Commission has put a strong focus on Member States' energy and climate related investment needs. This is reflected in the 2019 Country Report for Slovenia (4) and in the Commission's recommendation for a Council Recommendation to Slovenia (5), as part of the European Semester process. The Commission took into account the latest European Semester findings and recommendations in its assessment of the draft integrated national energy and climate plans. The Commission's recommendations are complementary to the latest country-specific recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester. Member States should also ensure that their integrated national energy and climate plans take into consideration the latest country-specific recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester.

                  (10)

                  In addition, the Governance Regulation requires each Member State to take due account of any recommendations from the Commission to its draft integrated national energy and climate plan to be submitted by 31 December 2019 and, if the Member State concerned does not address a recommendation or a substantial part thereof, that Member State should provide and make public its reasons.

                  (11)

                  Where applicable, Member States should report the same data in their integrated national energy and climate plans and updates in later years as they report to Eurostat or the European Environment Agency. The use of the same source and, where available, of European statistics, is also essential to calculate the baseline for modelling and projections. Using European statistics will allow for a better comparability of the data and the projections used in the integrated national energy and climate plans.

                  (12)

                  All elements of Annex I of the Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 are to be included in the final integrated national energy and climate plan. In this context, the macroeconomic and, to the extent feasible, the health, environmental, employment and education, skills and social impacts of the planned policies and measures should be assessed. The public and other stakeholders are to be engaged in the preparation of the final integrated national energy and climate plan. These and other elements are described in detail in the staff working document published alongside this Recommendation (6).

                  (13)

                  In the final plan Slovenia needs to ascertain that all the elements missing in the draft such as with existing measures scenario, the impact assessment and investment needs are addressed for all dimensions. The interlinkages between existing and planned policies and measures should also be taken into account, notably: the synergies between the decarbonisation, energy security and internal market dimensions with the energy efficiency first principle. An assessment of whether the existing policies will ensure reducing the use of fossil fuels in the power sector as well as information on the energy market functioning are also important elements to be addressed in the final plan. Similarly, the objectives under the research, innovation and competitiveness dimension need to underpin the efforts planned for the other Energy Union dimensions.

                  (14)

                  The final integrated national energy and climate plan would benefit from presenting a comprehensive analysis on where the low-carbon technologies sector is currently positioned in the global market, highlighting areas of competitive strengths and potential challenges. Measurable objectives for the future defined on that basis would be beneficial, together with policies and measures to achieve them, making appropriate links to enterprise, industrial and education policy. The final integrated national energy and climate plan could also benefit from a better interaction with the circular economy, emphasising its greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential.

                  (15)

                  The Commission's recommendations to Slovenia are underpinned by the assessment of Slovenia's draft integrated national energy and climate plan which is published alongside this Recommendation (7),

            HEREBY RECOMMENDS SLOVENIA TAKES ACTION TO:

                  1.

                  Specify cost-efficient additional policies and measures notably on buildings in view of the 2030 greenhouse gas target for sectors outside the EU emissions trading system of -15 % compared to 2005 and the corresponding commitment under Regulation (EU) 2018/841 of the European Parliament and of the Council (8) that land use, land use change and forestry emissions do not exceed removals.

                  2.

                  Significantly raise the level of ambition for 2030 to a renewable share of at least 37 % as Slovenia's contribution to the Union's 2030 target for renewable energy, as indicated by the formula in Annex II under Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and after due consideration of relevant circumstances and national constraints. Include an indicative trajectory in the final integrated national energy and climate plan that reaches all the reference points pursuant to Article 4(a)(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 in accordance with that share, in view of the need to increase the level of efforts for reaching this target collectively. Put forward detailed and quantified policies and measures that are in line with the obligations laid down in Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and Council (9), to enable a timely and cost-effective achievement of this contribution. Ensure that the renewable energy target for 2020 set in Annex I of Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (10) is fully met and maintained as a baseline from 2021 onwards and explain how it intends to meet and maintain such baseline share. Increase the level of ambition in the heating and cooling sector to meet the indicative target included in Articles 23 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 and the transport target in Article 25 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001. Provide concrete measures on the simplification of administrative procedures and enabling frameworks for renewable self-consumption and renewable energy communities in line with Articles 21 and 22 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001.

                  3.

                  Substantially increase the ambition towards reducing primary energy consumption in 2030 in view of the need to increase the level of efforts to reach the Union's 2030 energy efficiency target. Express its contribution in terms of final energy consumption. Propose more ambitious policies and measures that would deliver additional energy savings by 2030. Indicate policies and measures for the whole 2021-2030 period including their impact, in terms of energy savings expected, and timeline for implementation.

                  4.

                  Specify the measures supporting the energy security objectives on diversification and reduction of energy dependency, including measures ensuring flexibility.

                  5.

                  Define forward-looking objectives and targets concerning market integration, in particular measures to develop more competitive wholesale and retail markets.

                  6.

                  Clarify the national objectives and funding targets in research, innovation and competitiveness, specifically related to the Energy Union, to be achieved between 2023 and 2030, so that they are readily measurable and fit for purpose to support the implementation of targets in the other dimensions of the integrated national energy and climate plan. Underpin such objectives with specific and adequate policies and measures, including those to be developed in cooperation with other Member States, such as the Strategic Energy Technology Plan.

                  7.

                  Carry out a fully-fledged consultation procedure with neighbouring countries and other Member States in order to promote the achievement of the objectives of the Energy Union in a cost-optimal manner. Explore further the cross-border potential and the macro-regional aspects of a coordinated energy and climate policy notably in the Adriatic with the aim of reducing the region's carbon footprint and implementing an ecosystem approach.

                  8.

                  Provide a general overview on the investment needed to modernise its economy by reaching its energy and climate objectives, and a general assessment of the sources of that investment, including appropriate financing at national, regional and Union level. Considering also cost-effective generation of transfers to other Member States under Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and Council (11) as funding source.

                  9.

                  List all energy subsidies, including in particular for fossil fuels, and actions undertaken as well as plans to phase them out.

                  10.

                  Complement the analysis of the interactions with air quality and air emissions policy with more quantitative information, at least including the required information about the projected air pollutants emissions under the planned policies and measures.

                  11.

                  Integrate just and fair transition aspects better, notably by providing more details on social, employment and skills impacts of planned objectives, policies and measures, especially in relation to a phase-out of coal-generated electricity. Further develop the approach to addressing energy poverty issues, including by specifying the assessment as required by the Regulation (EU) 2018/1999.

         Done at Brussels, 18 June 2019.

               For the Commission

            Miguel ARIAS CAÑETE

               Member of the Commission

         (1)  OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1.

         (2)  SWD(2019) 271.

         (3)  Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, amending Directives 2009/125/EC and 2010/30/EU and repealing Directives 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC (OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 1).

         (4)  SWD (2019) 1023 final.

         (5)  COM (2019) 524 final of 5 June 2019.

         (6)  SWD(2019) 271.

         (7)  SWD(2019) 271.

         (8)  Regulation (EU) 2018/841 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry in the 2030 climate and energy framework, and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 and Decision No 529/2013/EU (OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 1)

         (9)  Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82).

         (10)  Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC (OJ L 140, 5.6.2009, p. 16).

         (11)  Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030 contributing to climate action to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 (OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 26).


title: Recommendation of the European Central Bank of 19 March 2020 to the Council of the European Union on the external auditors of Latvijas Banka (ECB/2020/14) 2020/C 98/01

text:
               25.3.2020

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 98/1

      RECOMMENDATION OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK
      of 19 March 2020
      to the Council of the European Union on the external auditors of Latvijas Banka (ECB/2020/14)
      (2020/C 98/01)
      The Governing Council of the European central bank,
      Having regard to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, and in particular Article 27.1 thereof,
      Whereas:

                  (1)

                  The accounts of the European Central Bank (ECB) and national central banks of the Member States whose currency is the euro are audited by independent external auditors recommended by the ECB’s Governing Council and approved by the Council of the European Union.

                  (2)

                  The mandate of Latvijas Banka’s current external auditors will end following the audit for the financial year 2019. It is therefore necessary to appoint external auditors from the financial year 2020.

                  (3)

                  Latvijas Banka has selected SIA Ernst & Young Baltic as its external auditors for the financial years 2020 to 2024,

            HAS ADOPTED THIS RECOMMENDATION:
      It is recommended that SIA Ernst & Young Baltic should be appointed as the external auditors of Latvijas Banka for the financial years 2020 to 2024.

         Done at Frankfurt am Main, 19 March 2020.

               The President of the ECB

            Christine LAGARDE


title: Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/892 of 3 June 2021 amending Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction

text:
                  4.6.2021

                  EN

                  Official Journal of the European Union

                  L 198/1

         COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION (EU) 2021/892
         of 3 June 2021
         amending Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction
         THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
         Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article Article 77(2)(b) and (e) and Article 292, first and second sentence thereof,
         Whereas:

                     (1)

                     On 30 June 2020, the Council adopted a Recommendation on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction (1) (‘Council Recommendation’).

                     (2)

                     On 16 July 2020, the Council adopted Recommendation (EU) 2020/1052 amending Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction (2). On 30 July 2020, the Council adopted Recommendation (EU) 2020/1144 amending Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction (3). On 7 August 2020, the Council adopted Recommendation (EU) 2020/1186 amending Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction (4). On 22 October 2020, the Council adopted Recommendation (EU) 2020/1551 amending Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction (5).
                     On 17 December 2020, the Council adopted Recommendation (EU) 2020/2169 amending Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction (6). On 28 January 2021, the Council adopted Recommendation (EU) 2021/89 amending Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction (7). On 2 February 2021, the Council adopted Recommendation (EU) 2021/132 amending Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction (8) and on 6 May 2021 Recommendation (EU) 2021/767 (9) amending Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction.

                     (3)

                     On 20 May 2021, the Council adopted Recommendation (EU) 2021/816 amending Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction (10) in order to update the criteria used to assess whether non-essential travel from third countries is safe and should be allowed.

                     (4)

                     The Council Recommendation provides that Member States should gradually lift the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU as from 1 July 2020 in a coordinated manner with regard to the residents of the third countries listed in Annex I to the Council Recommendation. Every two weeks, the list of third countries referred to in Annex I should be reviewed, and as the case may be updated, by the Council, after close consultation with the Commission and the relevant EU agencies and services following an overall assessment based on the methodology, criteria and information referred to in the Council Recommendation.

                     (5)

                     Discussions have since then taken place within the Council, in close consultation with the Commission and the relevant EU agencies and services, on the review of the list of third countries set out in Annex I to the Council Recommendation and in application of the criteria and methodology laid down in the Council Recommendation, as amended by Recommendation (EU) 2021/816. As a result of these discussions, the list of third countries set out in Annex I should be amended. In particular, Japan should be added to the list.

                     (6)

                     Border control is in the interest not only of the Member State at whose external borders it is carried out but of all Member States which have abolished internal border control. Member States should therefore ensure that measures taken at the external borders are coordinated in order to ensure a well functioning Schengen area. To that end, as of 3 June 2021, Member States should continue lifting the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU in a coordinated manner with regard to the residents of the third countries listed in Annex I of the Council Recommendation as amended by this Recommendation.

                     (7)

                     In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the Position of Denmark annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the TFEU, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Recommendation and is not bound by it or subject to its application. Given that this Recommendation builds upon the Schengen acquis, Denmark shall, in accordance with Article 4 of the said Protocol, decide within a period of six months after the Council has decided on this Recommendation whether it will implement it.

                     (8)

                     This Recommendation constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not take part, in accordance with Council Decision 2002/192/EC (11); Ireland is therefore not taking part in its adoption and is not bound by it or subject to its application.

                     (9)

                     As regards Iceland and Norway, this Recommendation constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis within the meaning of the Agreement concluded by the Council of the European Union and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the latter’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis which fall within the area referred to in Article 1, point A, of Council Decision 1999/437/EC (12).

                     (10)

                     As regards Switzerland, this Recommendation constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis within the meaning of the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis which fall within the area referred to in Article 1, point A, of Decision 1999/437/EC (13) read in conjunction with Article 3 of Council Decision 2008/146/EC (14).

                     (11)

                     As regards Liechtenstein, this Recommendation constitutes a development of provisions of the Schengen acquis within the meaning of the Protocol between the European Union, the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis which fall within the area referred to in Article 1 point A, of Decision 1999/437/EC (15) read in conjunction with Article 3 of Council Decision 2011/350/EU (16).

               HAS ADOPTED THIS RECOMMENDATION:
         Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912, as amended by Recommendation (EU) 2020/1052, by Recommendation (EU) 2020/1144, by Recommendation (EU) 2020/1186, by Recommendation (EU) 2020/1551, by Recommendation (EU) 2020/2169, by Recommendation (EU) 2021/89, by Recommendation (EU) 2021/132, by Recommendation (EU) 2021/767 and by Recommendation (EU) 2021/816 on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction is amended as follows:

                     (1)

                     first paragraph of point 1 of the Council Recommendation is replaced by the following:

                                 ‘1.

                                 As from 3 June 2021, Member States should gradually lift the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU in a coordinated manner with regard to the residents of the third countries listed in Annex I.’;

                     (2)

                     Annex I to the Recommendation is replaced by the following:

                           ‘ANNEX I
                           Third countries and Special Administrative Regions, whose residents should not be affected by temporary external borders restriction on non-essential travel into the EU:

                                       I.

                                       STATES

                                                   1.

                                                   AUSTRALIA

                                                   2.

                                                   ISRAEL

                                                   3.

                                                   JAPAN

                                                   4.

                                                   NEW ZEALAND

                                                   5.

                                                   RWANDA

                                                   6.

                                                   SINGAPORE

                                                   7.

                                                   SOUTH KOREA

                                                   8.

                                                   THAILAND

                                                   9.

                                                   CHINA (*)

                                       II.

                                       SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

                                                   Hong Kong SAR (*1)

                                                   Macao SAR  (*1)

                        (*1)  Subject to confirmation of reciprocity."

                        (*1)  Subject to confirmation of reciprocity."

            Done at Luxembourg, 3 June 2021.

                  For the Council

                  The President

               P. N. SANTOS

            (1)  OJ L 208 I, 1.7.2020, p. 1.

            (2)  OJ L 230, 17.7.2020, p. 26.

            (3)  OJ L 248, 31.7.2020, p. 26.

            (4)  OJ L 261, 11.8.2020, p. 83.

            (5)  OJ L 354, 26.10.2020, p. 19.

            (6)  OJ L 431, 21.12.2020, p. 75.

            (7)  OJ L 33, 29.1.2021, p. 1.

            (8)  OJ L 41, 4.2.2021, p. 1.

            (9)  OJ L 165 I, 11.5.2021, p. 66.

            (10)  OJ L 182, 21.5.2021, p. 1.

            (11)  Council Decision 2002/192/EC of 28 February 2002 concerning Ireland’s request to take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis (OJ L 64, 7.3.2002, p. 20).

            (12)  OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 31.

            (13)  OJ L 53, 27.2.2008, p. 52.

            (14)  Council Decision 2008/146/EC of 28 January 2008 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Community, of the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis (OJ L 53, 27.2.2008, p. 1).

            (15)  OJ L 160, 18.6.2011, p. 21.

            (16)  Council Decision 2011/350/EU of 7 March 2011 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol between the European Union, the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Swiss Confederation’s association with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis, relating to the abolition of checks at internal borders and movement of persons (OJ L 160, 18.6.2011, p. 19).


title: Council recommendation of 10 October 2019 on the appointment of a member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank2019/C 351/01

text:
               17.10.2019

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 351/1

      COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
      of 10 October 2019
      on the appointment of a member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank
      (2019/C 351/01)
      THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
      Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 283(2) and 139(2) thereof,
      Having regard to Protocol No 4 on the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, and in particular Article 11.2 thereof,
      HEREBY RECOMMENDS TO THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL THAT:
      Mr Fabio PANETTA be appointed as a member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank for a term of office of eight years with effect from 1 January 2020.

         Done at Brussels, 10 October 2019.

               For the Council

               The President

            M. LINTILÄ