Press Release
☷Joint Statement by the U S and EU following the 11th U S EU Energy Council
U.S. Department of Energy ( By Press Release office)
Mar 17,2024
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The Government of the United States of America and European Union released the following statement . The eleventh United States - European Union ( EU ) Energy Council ( "Council" ) met today in Washington , with U . S . Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell , U . S . Deputy Secretary of Energy David M . Turk , European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson , and EEAS Acting Deputy Secretary General Bélen Martinez Carbonell as the chairs . Sophie Karlshausen , the Deputy Head of Mission of the Kingdom of Belgium to the United States of America , represented the Presidency of the Council of the European Union . The U . S . - EU Energy Council is the main platform for coordinating strategic energy issues between the two parties . Collaboration on energy between the United States and European Union is crucial for diverse and resilient energy systems , strong energy security , stability and transparency in global energy markets , and a just transition to clean energy in line with our shared commitment to reach net - zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 . During the meeting , the Council also acknowledged the important work of the U . S . - EU Task Force on Energy Security , which contributed to the EU achieving a 99% natural gas storage filling level before the winter of 2023 - 24 and reducing dependence on Russian fossil fuels . Moving forward , the U . S . and EU will continue to work closely together to ensure energy security in Europe and beyond , and to support global decarbonization efforts . The Council welcomed the outcome of the first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement , which called on all Parties to set ambitious emission reduction targets in their next nationally determined contributions , covering all sectors and aligned with limiting global warming to 1 . 5 degrees Celsius . The Council also stressed the need for a just and orderly transition away from fossil fuels , accelerating action in this crucial decade to achieve a net - zero emissions goal by 2050 . In this regard , the Council highlighted the urgency of phasing out coal in the energy sector worldwide , particularly ending investments in new coal - fired power plants . The Council reaffirmed its commitment to the goals of tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling the global rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030 , through actions at various levels . Diverse and resilient energy systems that are not overly dependent on a single supplier for fuels , critical raw materials , minerals , or other inputs are essential to reduce dependencies and counter attempts to weaponize energy . The Council is fully committed to supporting Ukraine and its people . We strongly condemn Russia ' s aggressive and illegal war against Ukraine , including attacks on its energy and infrastructure . It is important to continue providing military support , especially air defense , to protect this infrastructure . We are also increasing our efforts to provide humanitarian aid and assist the energy sector . We demand that Russia immediately withdraw all its military forces and equipment from Ukraine ' s territory . The security and stability of the Black Sea are crucial . We acknowledge the United States , the EU , and its Member States for their contributions in providing material , technical , and financial assistance to repair and defend Ukraine ' s energy systems . We support Ukraine in building a more resilient and sustainable energy system that is integrated with Europe . We welcome Ukraine ' s membership in the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity and its synchronization with the power systems of continental Europe . This milestone enhances regional energy security and supports the broader energy transition . The United States and the EU will continue to cooperate to strengthen resilient energy systems and address cyber and physical threats to energy infrastructure . We strongly condemn Russia ' s control and dangerous actions at Ukraine ' s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant , which endangers many lives . We support the principles presented by the International Atomic Energy Agency and their work to ensure the safety and security of Ukraine ' s nuclear facilities . We also welcome Ukraine joining the IAEA Board of Governors . The US and EU are urging Russia to follow the resolutions of the IAEA and remove its personnel and military equipment from the ZNPP , allow IAEA experts access , and return control to Ukraine . They are committed to addressing Russia ' s attempts to disrupt global energy markets and evade sanctions . Efforts will focus on enforcing oil price limits , coordinating responses to market volatility , supporting the energy transition , and reducing reliance on Russian fossil fuels . The Council will also work on energy diversification and security in regions like the Caspian Sea and North Africa . They will continue to support Ukraine , Moldova , and the Western Balkans in their integration with the EU and their energy transition efforts . The Council welcomes the start of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and will assist in their economic and energy development . They encourage continued reform efforts in these countries . The Council confirmed that both sides plan to work together more closely to support regional integration and investments in the energy sector in order to achieve climate neutrality in the Western Balkans . This includes efforts to reduce reliance on coal and Russian natural gas and oil imports as quickly as possible . The United States and the EU are committed to promoting transparent and competitive energy markets in the Western Balkans , in line with EU enlargement policy and climate and energy goals . They also pledged to cooperate on policies , standards , and regulations to transition towards climate neutrality . The Council welcomed the establishment of an international working group in 2023 to address greenhouse gas emissions in the natural gas market . They also recognized the importance of reducing methane emissions from fossil fuels and supported initiatives by the UNEP ' s International Methane Emissions Observatory . Additionally , the Council acknowledged the role of nuclear power in decarbonizing energy systems and pledged to support efforts to diversify nuclear supplies and reduce dependency on Russia for nuclear materials and fuel cycle services . They also expressed support for finding alternative nuclear energy suppliers globally . The Council expressed interest in working together to improve global hydrogen markets by following international standards and certification schemes . They also emphasized the importance of diversifying and securing supply chains for critical minerals and raw materials for the energy transition to climate - neutrality . The Council highlighted the value of U . S . - EU collaboration in various forums and welcomed joint efforts to map pathways for supply chain linkages between the two regions . Additionally , they discussed advancements in research and innovation cooperation , particularly in fusion research and transition pathways to climate - neutrality . The Council also identified areas for joint cooperation in carbon capture and storage technology and innovation . They plan to hold workshops on just transition , energy poverty , and economic development assistance , as well as multi - level governance in energy poverty policies in the coming years . Let ' s work together to speed up the global energy transition . The United States and the EU are committed to strengthening their partnership to ensure energy security , align policies , and collaborate on new technologies and innovation . We ' ll keep cooperating in international forums too .
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