Federal Councillor Rösti attends informal meeting of EU transport and energy ministers in Stockholm
Bern, 28.02.2023 - On 27 and 28 February, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti took part in the informal meeting of EU transport and energy ministers in Stockholm. The meeting focused on issues around the design of the energy market, on future transport policy, and in particular on transitioning to electric transport in Europe. The head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications also held talks with his counterparts in Stockholm.
Sweden has held the presidency of the Council of the European Union since 1 January. EU transport and energy ministers met in Stockholm at the end of February for a joint informal meeting.
At the meeting, they addressed the issue of how to accelerate the green transition in the transport sector and which policy initiatives to prioritise to decarbonise the European transport sector. They also focused on identifying and seizing opportunities in good time, particularly opportunities that strengthen the competitiveness of the European transport industry in the global market and create new jobs.
Greening the transport sector is a key element in reducing Europe's dependence on fossil fuels, achieving the EU's net zero target by 2050, and strengthening competitiveness, productivity and economic growth. The gradual phase-out of fossil fuels in the transport sector will require a variety of solutions. What is needed in particular is sufficient investment in renewable energy and infrastructure.
In view of the pressure to act, energy ministers addressed the question of whether the design of the electricity market is suitable to protect consumers from excessive price volatility, support their access to reliable and clean energy and make the market more resilient. Security of supply is here the key factor, especially with a view to preparing for the winter of 2023/2024.
Mr Rösti took advantage of the informal meeting in Stockholm for a bilateral discussion with Leonore Gewessler, Austrian Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology. He also exchanged views with several ministers, including Norwegian Petroleum and Energy Minister Terje Aasland and Matteo Salvini, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility.
During his various meetings as well as in joint sessions, Mr Rösti emphasised the importance of including Switzerland in the European energy system and the benefit that Switzerland’s inclusion would bring for all concerned.
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General Secretariat of the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications; General Secretariat DETEC
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