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Council of the European Union    18/12/2017  Council conclusions on eco-innovation: enabling the transition towards a circular economy On 18 December 2017, the Council adopted conclusions on eco-innovation which will enable the vitally important transition towards a circular economy. Eco-innovation has been a priority of the Estonian presidency during this semester. The discussions on the topic at the informal meeting of Environment Ministers in Tallinn in July 2017 served as an important source of inspiration to these conclusions. ""We need to make every effort to move towards circular economy and I see eco-innovation as a key element in this transition. Member States are calling for a comprehensive EU policy that would cover the whole life cycle of products: this would increase transparency and make sure we don’t miss any crucial elements. At the same time, the governments should make it as simple as possible for businesses to take innovative products to the market. On both the EU and member state level, there is huge potential in digital solutions to make the move to circular economy faster and easier."" Siim Kiisler, Minister for the Environment of the Republic of Estonia Council conclusions on eco-innovation Informal meeting of Environment Ministers Elke König renewed as chairperson of bank resolution board On 18 December 2017, the Council renewed Elke König's term of office as chairperson of the EU's single resolution board. Completing a three-year tenure as the board's first-ever chairperson, Ms König is renewed for a further five years as from 23 December 2017. The six-member board oversees the resolution of unviable banks. It was established in 2014 under the single resolution mechanism, a key component of the EU's banking union. The decision was taken without discussion at a meeting of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council. The European Parliament approved the proposal on 12 December 2017. The banking union currently comprises the 19 countries of the euro area, whilst 7 other member states have also indicated their intention to join. The term of office of the board's chairperson can be renewed only once.

A more competitive and consumer-oriented internal electricity market – Council reaches general approach

On 18 December, the Council reached a general approach (negotiating position) on a directive setting out common rules to ensure that the internal electricity market in the EU is competitive, consumer-centred, flexible and non-discriminatory.

The directive, which is part of the clean energy package, puts particular emphasis on consumers and the importance of a well-functioning internal market. It gives more rights to customers, provides a balanced solution for regulated prices, sets out a regulatory framework for energy communities and defines the roles and responsibilities of market participants.

""Customers are our main priority in this legislation. Our aim is a competitive market that will ensure affordable electricity for all, but we will also give governments the option to help in cases of need. On the other hand, consumers will have the means to be active and engaged and make informed decisions. This ensures that the electricity market really delivers for the European people.""
Kadri Simson, Minister for Economic Affairs and Infrastructure of the Republic of Estonia

This general approach will enable the Council to enter negotiations with the Parliament next year. The position of the Council, which builds on the Commission's proposal, contains the following key elements:

In the future electricity market, electricity suppliers will be able to set prices freely. This will limit distortions, boost competition and lead to lower retail prices. Member states will be able to regulate prices temporarily to assist and protect energy poor or vulnerable household consumers. A number of market safeguards will be put in place to avoid cross-subsidies and discrimination of market participants, ensuring that the (cross-border) functioning of the wholesale market is not distorted.

Additionally, member states will ensure that the national regulatory framework enables electricity suppliers to offer a dynamic electricity price contract. By proposing these contracts and other tools such as smart meters, customers will be empowered and will become more engaged and active on the market. The agreement includes specific rules for the installation of smart meters, which are devices for measuring electricity consumption in real time.

A framework describing the role, functioning and treatment of the energy communitieshas been established to make sure that they contribute in an adequate and balanced way to the overall cost sharing of the system.

Regarding energy storage facilities, member states will allow, under certain conditions, both distribution system operators (DSOs) and transmission system operators (TSOs) to own, develop, manage or operate them. Public consultations will be carried out in order to assess the potential interest of market parties in investing in those facilities. The task of performing these consultations will be entrusted to DSOs together with the National Regulatory Authorities (NRA).
Timeline and next steps

On 30 November 2016, the Commission submitted the clean energy package, including a legislative proposal for a revised directive on common rules for the internal market in electricity.

The package as a whole was presented at the Energy Council meeting of December 2016. EU ministers had a first exchange of views on the entire package in February 2017 and analysed the progress made on electricity market design, governance of the Energy Union and renewable energy in June 2017.

With this position, the Council is prepared and hopes to start negotiations with the Parliament as early as possible next year.
Background

On 30 November 2016, the Commission presented the 'Clean Energy for all Europeans' package, aimed at implementing the 2015 strategy for an Energy Union with a forward-looking climate policy.

Four of the eight legislative proposals in the package seek to redesign the EU's internal electricity market. Apart from this directive, it includes revised regulations on the internal electricity market and on a European Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), as well as a proposal for a new regulation on risk-preparednessin the electricity sector.
Presidency compromise text
Clean energy package - progress report (26 June 2017)
Commission proposal
Clean energy package (European Commission)
Energy Union (European Commission)

18/12/2017 | PRESS RELEASE

	Letter of congratulations from President Donald Tusk to Sebastian Kurz on his appointment as Federal Chancellor of Austria
	On behalf of the European Council, I would like to warmly congratulate you on your appointment as Federal Chancellor of Austria. I trust that the Austrian government will continue to play a constructive and pro-European role in the European Union. This is especially important at a time when the European Council is engaging more directly on politically sensitive issues in the context of the Leaders' Agenda. I am looking forward to meeting you soon and to closely cooperating with you during the Austrian Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2018. Viel Erfolg! Letter of congratulations from President Donald Tusk to Sebastian Kurz

Coming up in committees 18-12-2017 11:40 AM CET EU administrative law: public consultation on citizens’ expectations JURI - 18-12-2017 - 09:21 EU law establishes citizens' rights to an open, independent and efficient EU administration. The Committee on Legal Affairs is therefore launching a 12-week consultation process to determine what the public expects regarding its relations with the EU’s administration. To this end, individuals, companies, professors, universities and any other institution interested in taking part in the consultation can complete a questionnaire which will made available through the link below, as of 15.12.17. Further information JURI public consultation on EU administrative law Online questionnaire  Fact Sheets on how the EU works Fact Sheets on citizens’ rights Have your say on an EU administrative law: blog post Ανακοίνωση προς τα μέλη - Αναφορά αριθ. 0298/2017, του János Méry, σλοβακικής ιθαγένειας, σχετικά με την εξασφάλιση ενιαίας ποιότητας των καταναλωτικών προϊόντων στην εσωτερική αγορά - PE 613.363v01-00 - Επιτροπή Αναφορών 18-12-2017 12:55 PM CET ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΑ ΜΕΛΗ - Αναφορά αριθ. 0298/2017, του János Méry, σλοβακικής ιθαγένειας, σχετικά με την εξασφάλιση ενιαίας ποιότητας των καταναλωτικών προϊόντων στην εσωτερική αγορά Επιτροπή Αναφορών Πηγή : © Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, 2017 - EK