Summary of Minister Kaspars Melnis’s Key Points at the EU Energy Council Meetings
Here’s a breakdown of the key points made by Latvian minister Kaspars Melnis during the EU Energy Council meetings, as detailed in the provided text:
1. Future of the European Energy System (Post-2030):
Renewable Energy Focus: Latvia strongly supports continued advancement of renewable energy sources as crucial for independence from fossil fuel imports. Biomass Importance: Highlights the success of wood biomass in Latvia,specifically its role in replacing Russian gas.
Simplified Goals: Advocates for a simpler framework with one GHG emission reduction target and fewer climate/energy policies, allowing Member States to leverage their unique economic strengths.
2. Infrastructure Development:
Significant Investment Needed: Emphasizes the necessity of significant EU funding for completing Energy Union interconnections (cross-border and national).
Increased interconnectivity: Calls for continued investment in new interconnections to boost electricity trade and improve supply security.
Infrastructure Protection: Stresses the importance of protecting existing and new critical energy infrastructure (on land and at sea), particularly related to the synchronization project.
Smart Network Technology: Advocates for strengthening networks through targeted investment,modernization,and integration of smart technologies.
3. Regional Cooperation (Baltic & Poland):
Gratitude for Cooperation: Values the successful collaboration with Poland on critical energy infrastructure development.
Funding for Protection: Focuses on securing funding for protecting critical infrastructure, specifically highlighting the importance of the CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) and advocating for its prioritization in the next EU financial framework.
4. Digital Future & Data Centers:
Energy Demand from AI: Acknowledges the growing energy demand from data centers driven by AI.
Opportunity for Transition: Sees this challenge as an opportunity for energy transition and economic growth,leveraging Latvia’s strong digital infrastructure and grid capacity.
5. Bilateral Discussions:
Belgium: Discussed the RepowerEU plan.
* Romania: Discussed a project application for the Modernization Fund and strengthening energy security.
Additional Note: The text also mentions Denmark taking over the EU Council Presidency from Poland on July 1, 2025.
