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

text:
               3.9.2019

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 297/33

      COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
      of 18 June 2019
      on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Spain covering the period 2021-2030
      (2019/C 297/09)
      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)

                  Spain submitted its draft integrated national energy and climate plan on 22 February 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 Spanish 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 Spain (4) and in the Commission's recommendation for a Council Recommendation to Spain (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)

                  There is a broad coherence of the objectives within and between the dimensions, in particular on decarbonisation and energy efficiency. In the final plan, Spain should also describe the interlinkages between planned policies and measures and further quantify these where possible. A focus could be the synergies between the 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, security of energy supply and its link to addressing energy poverty. The interactions of the planned policies related to the phase out of coal-fired power plants and nuclear power plants, including the strategy for the use of nuclear fuel cycle facilities existing in the country, the impact of climate change risks on energy supply, and the impact of the increased penetration of renewable energy on the internal market are also important elements to be addressed in the final plan. 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 Spain are underpinned by the assessment of Spain's draft integrated national energy and climate plan which is published alongside this Recommendation (7),

            HEREBY RECOMMENDS SPAIN TAKES ACTION TO:

                  1.

                  Underpin the welcome level of ambition of a 42 % renewable energy share for 2030 as Spain'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) and enabling 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. Provide further details on measures to reduce administrative burden 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.

                  2.

                  Explore further on how the current measures would need to be further developed to realise their ambition towards achieving the expected energy savings. Such measures will have to deliver a multiplication of energy savings compared to current achievements and the challenges of such significant upscaling would need to be properly taken into account.

                  3.

                  Further develop measures supporting the energy security objectives on diversification and reduction of energy dependency, including measures ensuring flexibility, as well as information on phase-out from nuclear.

                  4.

                  Define forward-looking objectives and targets concerning market integration, in particular measures to address the foreseeable evolution of the tariff deficits in the electricity and gas sectors and potential impact from the measures envisaged. Outline a strategy and timeline for progressing towards fully market based prices.

                  5.

                  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 final 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.

                  Intensify the existing good regional cooperation with France and Portugal to address notably 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.

                  7.

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

                  8.

                  Integrate just and fair transition aspects better, notably by providing more details on social, employment and skills impacts of planned objectives, policies and measures. More specifically, the plan should address the impacts on the coal and carbon-intensive regions, and integrate the national strategy for the energy transition. Include a dedicated assessment of energy poverty issues, along with any related objectives or specific policies or 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) 262.

         (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) 1008 final.

         (5)  COM (2019) 509 final of 5 June 2019.

         (6)  SWD(2019) 262.

         (7)  SWD(2019) 262.

         (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 France covering the period 2021-2030

text:
               3.9.2019

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 297/36

      COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
      of 18 June 2019
      on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of France covering the period 2021-2030
      (2019/C 297/10)
      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)

                  France submitted its draft integrated national energy and climate plan on 15 February 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 French 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 France (4) and in the Commission's recommendation for a Council Recommendation to France (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 France should take into account the interactions between dimensions. As an example, measures to improve energy efficiency or increase the deployment of electric vehicles will reinforce security of supply by reducing the needs for imports of oil and gas. The draft integrated national energy and climate plan acknowledges that energy efficiency is the first principle guiding the efforts towards the energy transition. Some negative interactions between policies and measures in one dimension and objectives in another dimension are included. A thorough analysis of peak load developments in the period from 2021 to 2030 is required, as well as a precise assessment of energy security and interconnection, and to set objectives accordingly. The objectives under the research, innovation and competitiveness dimension need to underpin the efforts planned for the other Energy Union dimensions. The final plan could include more information on how climate change risks might affect energy supply.

                  (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.

                  (15)

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

            HEREBY RECOMMENDS FRANCE TAKES ACTION TO:

                  1.

                  Increase the level of ambition for 2030 to a renewable share of at least 33 % as France'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 Council (8), 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 (9) is fully met and maintained as a baseline from 2021 onwards and explain how it intends to meet and maintain such baseline share. Reconcile the objectives put forward in its draft integrated national energy and climate plan for the share of renewable energy in the heating and cooling sector and in the transport sector with the indicative target included in Article 23 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 and the transport target in Article 25 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001, respectively.

                  2.

                  Review the efforts on reducing primary energy consumption to contribute to reaching the collective Union's 2030 energy efficient target. France's contribution is of sufficient ambition for final energy consumption. Include details on the expected impacts of the planned policies and measures in the final integrated national energy and climate plan, to make sure that their scale of implementation would be sufficient to deliver the necessary reductions of energy consumption.

                  3.

                  Specify the measures supporting the energy security objectives on diversification and reduction of energy dependency, including measures ensuring flexibility, as well as information on planned nuclear generation capacity.

                  4.

                  Define forward-looking objectives and targets concerning market integration, in particular measures to develop more competitive wholesale markets, including 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. Underpin such objectives with specific and adequate policies and measures, including those to be developed in cooperation with other Member States, such as the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan.

                  6.

                  Intensify the existing good regional cooperation with Spain, Portugal and the Pentalateral countries (10). The focus of the regional exchanges should be on internal energy market and energy security areas. Continue the cooperation with Portugal and Spain, in particular on cross-border and cross regional energy interconnections. Consider strengthening measures related to regional cooperation in the area of renewable energy. Consider also intensifying regional cooperation arrangements to new areas such as regional generation capacity assessment and research and innovation on technologies of common interest with other Member States.

                  7.

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

                  8.

                  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 providing an assessment of the number and type of households in energy poverty to allow assessing the possible need for an indicative objective 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) 263.

         (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) 1009 final.

         (5)  COM (2019) 510 final of 5 June 2019.

         (6)  SWD(2019) 263.

         (7)  SWD(2019) 263.

         (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)  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).

         (10)  Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Switzerland


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

text:
               3.9.2019

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 297/40

      COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
      of 18 June 2019
      on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Croatia covering the period 2021-2030
      (2019/C 297/11)
      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)

                  Croatia 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 Croatian 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 had regard, on the one hand, to the need for the Commission 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, as well as the need to avoid the risk of delay of the Member State's 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 Croatia (4) and in the Commission's recommendation for a Council Recommendation to Croatia (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 which is published alongside this Recommendation (6).

                  (13)

                  In the final plan the coherence between the different dimensions should be taken into account. For example, Croatia's plans to strengthen energy security by exploring the possibility to increase the production of domestic hydrocarbon resources should be considered against the attainment of objectives related to the decarbonisation dimension and the energy efficiency first principle. The objectives under the research, innovation and competitiveness dimension need to underpin the efforts planned for the other Energy Union dimensions. Other examples are the impact of increased bioenergy use on the accounted emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry and of climate change risks on energy security.

                  (14)

                  The final integrated national energy and climate plan would benefit from expanding on competitiveness aspects, to cover specifically the low-carbon technologies sector, including for decarbonising energy and carbon-intensive industrial sectors. 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 and industrial policy. It would also benefit from a better interaction with the circular economy, emphasising its greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential.

                  (15)

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

            HEREBY RECOMMENDS CROATIA TAKES ACTION TO:

                  1.

                  Underpin the welcome level of ambition of a 36,4 % renewable energy share for 2030 as Croatia's contribution to the Union 2030 target for renewable energy with 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. 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 increase the level of ambition to meet the transport target in Article 25 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001. Provide additional details 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.

                  Increase its ambition towards reducing both final and primary energy consumption in view of the need to increase the level of efforts to reach the Union's 2030 energy efficiency target. Support this with policies and measures that would deliver additional energy savings by 2030. Underpin proposed policies and measures by an impact assessment estimating the expected savings and provide a realistic timeframe of implementation of the measures provided for.

                  3.

                  Define forward-looking objectives and measurable targets concerning market integration, in particular measures to develop liquid and competitive wholesale and retail markets, by fostering competition within the country and progressing towards fully market based prices and by eliminating barriers to cross-border trade.

                  4.

                  Further elaborate 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.

                  Continue regional cooperation efforts on the national energy and climate plan in the context of the Central and South-Eastern Europe Energy Connectivity (CESEC) High-Level Group. These could address notably issues such as further integration in the internal energy market, assessing system adequacy, just transition, decarbonisation and renewables deployment. Explore 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.

                  6.

                  Extend its analysis of investment costs and sources, including appropriate financing at national, regional and Union level, which is currently provided for some transport and energy efficiency measures, to a general overview of investment needs to modernise its economy by reaching its energy and climate objectives. 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.

                  7.

                  List all energy subsidies, including in particular fossil fuels subsidies, 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 with more quantitative information, at least including the required information about the projected air pollutants emissions under the planned policies and measures.

                  9.

                  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 providing an assessment of the number and type of households in energy poverty to allow assessing the need for an indicative objective 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) 224.

         (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) 1010 final.

         (5)  COM (2019) 511 final of 5 June 2019.

         (6)  SWD(2019) 224

         (7)  SWD(2019) 224.

         (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 Italy covering the period 2021-2030

text:
               3.9.2019

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 297/44

      COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
      of 18 June 2019
      on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Italy covering the period 2021-2030
      (2019/C 297/12)
      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)

                  Italy submitted its draft integrated national energy and climate plan on 8 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 Italian 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 integrated 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 Italy (4) and in the Commission's recommendation for a Council Recommendation to Italy (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 its final integrated national energy and climate plan Italy should build on the positive interlinkages between planned policies and measures pointed out in its draft integrated national energy and climate plan, and further explore the more challenging policy interlinkages, notably between the decarbonisation, energy security and internal market dimensions. More details are expected notably: (i) on the consequences of the phase out of coal-fired power plants and expected evolution of the role of gas in the energy mix; (ii) on how to achieve the high penetration of renewables; (iii) on the impacts of the Italian Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM) in terms of prices for energy consumers; (iv) on expected evolution of fossil fuels subsidies. 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 highlighting areas of competitive advantage and potential challenges at global level for the low-carbon technologies sector, including for decarbonising energy- and carbon-intensive industrial sectors. 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 and industrial policy. The final integrated national energy and climate plan could also benefit from further elaboration on the greenhouse gas emissions savings stemming from actions related to the circular economy.

                  (15)

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

            HEREBY RECOMMENDS ITALY TAKES ACTION TO:

                  1.

                  Underpin the welcomed level of ambition of Italy's 30 % renewable energy share for 2030 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 requested 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 of renewables in the heating and cooling sector to meet the indicative target included in Article 23 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001. Put forward measures to meet the transport target in Article 25 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001. Reduce the complexity and regulatory uncertainty 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.

                  As regards energy efficiency, ensure that the key policy instruments illustrated in the draft integrated national energy and climate plan would still deliver adequate savings in the period 2021-2030. Adequately reflect the envisaged updates and improvements to existing support schemes in the final integrated national energy and climate plan and in the following progress reports. Scale them up significantly to allow for the achievement of the indicated energy savings goals. Given the significant untapped potential, continue to work on strengthening energy efficiency measures for buildings (for new and existing public and private buildings) and in transport.

                  3.

                  Specify the measures supporting the energy security objectives on diversification and reduction of energy dependency, including measures ensuring flexibility. 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. Clarify to what extent the development expected in the gas sector is compatible with the stated decarbonisation goals and the envisaged phase-out of coal-fired thermoelectric plants.

                  4.

                  Set clear objectives, milestones and timelines to deliver on the envisaged reforms in the energy markets, notably in the wholesale natural gas markets and in the operation of both the electricity and natural gas retail markets.

                  5.

                  Clarify the national objectives and funding targets in research, innovation and competitiveness, specifically related to the Energy Union, to be achieved between 2021 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.

                  6.

                  Carry out consultations with neighbouring Countries and within the Central and South-Eastern Europe Gas Connectivity (CESEC) High-Level Group in view of the finalisation of the integrated national energy and climate plan. 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 and further harness the potential of deeper Mediterranean cooperation.

                  7.

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

                  8.

                  Complement the analysis of the interactions with air quality and air emissions policy, including from a quantitative perspective.

                  9.

                  Integrate just and fair transition aspects better, notably by providing more details on social, employment, skills, income distribution impacts of planned objectives, policies and measures, including for carbon-intensive and industrial regions. Complete the approach to addressing energy poverty issues by including specific measurable targets, and details on the financial resources for the implementation of the described policies 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) 264.

         (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) 1011 final.

         (5)  COM (2019) 512 final of 5 June 2019.

         (6)  SWD(2019) 264.

         (7)  SWD(2019) 264.

         (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 Cyprus covering the period 2021-2030

text:
               3.9.2019

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 297/48

      COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
      of 18 June 2019
      on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Cyprus covering the period 2021-2030
      (2019/C 297/13)
      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)

                  Cyprus submitted its draft integrated national energy and climate plan on 29 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 draft national energy and climate plan of Cyprus, 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 this 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 Cyprus (4) and in the Commission's recommendation for a Council Recommendation to Cyprus (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 which is published alongside this Recommendation (6).

                  (13)

                  While the policies and measures described in the draft plan seem largely coherent across dimensions, Cyprus should further develop its assessment of interlinkages between policies and measures in the final plan. Cyprus should also provide more information on the synergies between the decarbonisation, energy security and internal market dimensions as well as the energy efficiency first principle. The analysis could include quantitative estimates and should also cover possible negative interactions between policies and measures and how Cyprus intends to address those. An assessment of policy interactions and cross-cutting impacts could also be useful for single policies and measures or groups of policies and measures with a wide-ranging impact on Cyprus' energy system and beyond. This includes policies related to the full implementation of a competitive electricity market, the introduction of natural gas, or the interconnection of Cyprus' isolated electricity system. 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 could be complemented with more comprehensive measures to tap into the potential of interactions with the circular economy.

                  (15)

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

            HEREBY RECOMMENDS CYPRUS TAKES ACTION TO:

                  1.

                  Clarify how it plans to reach its 2030 greenhouse gas target for sectors outside the EU emissions trading system of - 24 % compared to 2005 by considering further cost-efficient policies over the period 2021-2030, and the intended use of flexibilities between the effort sharing and accounted land use, land use change and forestry sectors. Particular consideration could go to transport.

                  2.

                  Significantly increase the level of ambition for 2030 to a renewable energy share of at least 23 % as Cyprus' 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 (8) and enabling a timely and cost-effective achievement of this contribution. Increase the level of ambition in the heating and cooling sector and the transport sector to meet the indicative target included in Article 23 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 and the transport target in Article 25 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001. Provide additional details and measures on the enabling frameworks for self-consumption and renewable energy communities in line with Articles 21 and 22 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001.

                  3.

                  Substantially increase its 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. Complete projections and scenarios to allow assessing the expected impacts of the new planned policies, measures and programmes on primary and final energy consumption for each sector at least until 2040, including for the year 2030, and including an indicative trajectory from 2021 onwards. Strengthen the focus on energy efficiency in the transport sector by increasing the span of measures related to this specific sector, considering that it would represent half of the energy consumed in the country in 2030.

                  4.

                  Define forward-looking objectives and targets concerning market integration, in particular measures for the gas sector, in view of the plans to achieve supply of natural gas in its territory in the near future. Present the state of play regarding the organisation of electricity markets clearly and consistently with targets and objectives described in the internal market dimension.

                  5.

                  Further elaborate on 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 European Strategic Energy Technology Plan.

                  6.

                  Intensify its existing regional cooperation arrangements with neighbouring Greece as well as other Member States, including in the internal market, energy security, and research, innovation and competitiveness dimension. Possibly in the context of the ‘Clean Energy for EU Islands’ initiative, enhance cooperation with Member States and island regions facing similar geographic, climatic and infrastructure related challenges and opportunities in their energy transition.

                  7.

                  Include a comprehensive section identifying all investment needs split by dimension and sub-dimension, along with a clear description of the methodology used for the estimation and the likely national, regional and Union sources for their financing.

                  8.

                  List all energy subsidies, including in particular fossil fuels subsidies, 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, presenting and quantifying the impacts on air pollution for the various scenarios, providing underpinning information, and considering synergies and trade-off effects.

                  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. Further develop the approach to addressing energy poverty issues, including by adding considerations of how the proposed policies and measures across dimensions are expected to impact the level 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) 223.

         (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) 1012 final.

         (5)  COM (2019) 513 final of 5 June 2019.

         (6)  SWD(2019) 223.

         (7)  SWD(2019) 223.

         (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 Latvia covering the period 2021-2030

text:
               3.9.2019

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 297/52

      COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
      of 18 June 2019
      on the draft integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of Latvia covering the period 2021-2030
      (2019/C 297/14)
      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)

                  Latvia 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 Latvian 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 Latvia (4) and in the Commission's recommendation for a Council Recommendation to Latvia (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 integrated national energy and climate plan Latvia should take into account the policy interlinkages, notably the synergies between the decarbonisation, energy security and internal market dimensions with the energy efficiency first principle, by explaining how energy efficiency contributes to 1) the cost-effective delivery of the national goals of a competitive low-carbon economy, 2) security of energy supply and 3) energy poverty. Another interlinkage to address is the use of biomass for energy purposes and the impact on accounted emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry. Similarly, the objectives under the research, innovation and competitiveness dimension need to underpin the efforts planned for the other Energy Union dimensions. The impacts of climate change on the energy sector could also be addressed.

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

            HEREBY RECOMMENDS LATVIA 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 -6 % compared to 2005. This includes further defining the necessary steps for implementing the described policies and analysing the role of the land use, land use change and forestry sector based on the accounting rules under Regulation (EU) 2018/841 of the European Parliament and of the Council (8).

                  2.

                  Significantly increase the level of ambition for 2030 to a renewable share of at least 50 % as Latvia'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 (9) and enable a timely and cost-effective achievement of this contribution. Ensure that the renewable energy target for 2020 set out 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. Put forward detailed measures to meet the indicative target in the heating and cooling sector included, in Article 23 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 and the transport target in Article 25 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001. Provide more details on the enabling frameworks for renewable self-consumption and renewable energy communities with measures, in line with Articles 21 and 22 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001.

                  3.

                  Increase the level of ambition, especially towards reducing primary energy consumption, and support it with policies and measures that would deliver additional energy savings in order to reach the Union's 2030 energy efficiency target. Provide more detailed description of the planned policies, in particular in buildings and transport sector as well as concrete estimates of energy savings of existing and planned policy measures by 2030 and timelines for accompanying investments.

                  4.

                  Specify the measures supporting the energy security objectives on diversification and reduction of energy dependency, including measures ensuring flexibility, including an assessment of how proposed policies and measures ensure the achievement of the target to decrease energy dependency. Take into account the regional context when assessing the 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.

                  6.

                  Clarify the national objectives and funding targets in 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. 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 good regional cooperation arrangements between Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania); extend 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.

                  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, presenting the impacts on air pollution for the various scenarios, providing underpinning information, and considering synergies and trade-off effects.

                  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. Include an assessment of the situation regarding energy poverty, and targets for reducing and/or limiting energy poverty together with 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) 265.

         (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) 1013 final.

         (5)  COM(2019) 514 final of 5 June 2019.

         (6)  SWD(2019) 265.

         (7)  SWD(2019) 265.

         (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).