Irish Presidency 2013 Ireland’s 7 th Presidency 40 th Anniversary of our accession to the EU

Role of the Presidency Presidency of the Council of the EU –Chair and direct the work of the Council –Represent the Council to the other institutions Cooperate closely with –European Council President Van Rompuy –High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy Catherine Ashton –European Commission –European Parliament

Role of the Presidency Seeks to reach consensus among the 27 MS. Must act as an honest and neutral broker in a way that supports EU interests. Sets agenda for the Council in different policy areas on basis of inherited dossiers - but can focus on key issues. Plans and chairs meetings of the Council and preparatory bodies. Represents Council in meetings and negotiations with other EU institutions. Draws up compromises needed for the Council to take decisions on proposed legislation.

Irish Presidency agenda Core agenda largely determined Certain fluidity still on some issues Expect the unexpected!

Presidency priority Stability, Jobs and Growth Promoting sustainable jobs and growth, restoring confidence in the European economy and securing the EU’s future budgetary and policy framework

Sustainable jobs & growth Compact on Growth and Jobs Single Market Digital Economy Internal Energy Market SME financing Innovation and research Trade Youth Guarantees Atlantic Strategy

Irish Presidency – Priorities Promoting sustainable jobs and growth and building EU’s competitive advantage –Energy  Progress on Internal Energy Market by 2014  Elimination of ‘Energy Islands’ by 2015  Post-2020 Energy Targets

Legislative priorities Energy Infrastructure – Regulation Connecting Europe Facility – Regulation Safety of Offshore Oil & Gas Operations – Regulation Regulation on Notification of Energy Infrastructure Investment projects

Legislative priorities Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) – Directive Sustainability Criteria for Biomass – Directive

Non-Legislative priorities Internal Energy Market – Communication Communication on Carbon Capture and Storage Communication on New Energy Technologies and Innovation Climate & Energy Framework to 2030

Events Main Presidency Events Energy Council – 22 February 2013, Brussels Informal Energy Council – April 2013, Dublin SET-Plan Conference – 7-8 May 2013, Dublin European Council on Energy – May 2013 Energy Council – 7 June 2013, Luxembourg

International Issues Regular updates by Commission at Working Group Strategic Group on External Relations – EU-North America Russia – Summit during Irish Presidency (attended by Commissioner) Energy Community Energy Charter EU-RU-BY – Negotiations on electricity system agreement to continue Trans-Caspian Pipeline Clean Energy Ministerial – India (April 2013) OPEC Ministerial – Vienna (June 2013) EU-China – possible high-level meeting in Q2

Thank you! Michael Goodwin Energy Attaché Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU Tel GSM