"The Czech Presidency has already earned the nickname 'energy Presidency'. We have already convened three extraordinary Councils of Ministers, and within weeks we are succeeding in adopting measures that would have taken months or even years. Today, we have followed up on the European Council of 20 October, where EU leaders called on the Commission and the Council to speed up the submission and discussion of the necessary legislation," said Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Síkela, adding: "The final form should be approved by the Member States at the extraordinary Energy Council, which I intend to convene on 24 November."

The European Commission has presented to the ministers a proposal for measures to ensure sufficient energy at affordable prices. This was a regulation to strengthen solidarity through better coordination of gas purchases, the exchange of gas across borders and adjustment of gas pricing, issued by the European Commission last week. The regulation contains instruments aimed at reducing gas prices on the European market through joint gas purchases and the introduction of a special temporary mechanism to limit price fluctuations on the energy market.

During the discussion, there was support for the introduction of measures to help maintain the industry's competitiveness, which the Member States had already requested in the past, for example through the revision of the temporary crisis framework for public aid. The Commission confirmed that the revision of this framework will be published by the end of October at the latest. At the same time, the Commission briefly presented its non-paper on the possibility of decoupling gas and electricity prices.

"As early as the beginning of September we called for the idea of separating the gas and electricity markets at the Energy Council. After initial scepticism, the European Commission, in its letter to Ministers, now accepts the possibility of introducing this measure. I would like us to discuss the measure on the decoupling of gas and electricity prices at the extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers at the end of November," said Minister Síkela.

Subsequently, the ministers approved the general approach of the EU Council to the proposal for a Directive on the energy performance of buildings. This legislative proposal, which is also part of the Fit for 55 package, will help accelerate the pace of building renovation. It will make a major contribution to the overall reduction of energy consumption in the EU and contribute to decarbonisation. "Buildings currently account for around 40% of the energy consumed in the European Union. This will soon change. The new rules will make buildings in Europe less energy intensive," says Minister Síkela, adding that it is now the European Parliament's turn to approve its position. "Energy savings in buildings will help us reduce our energy bills and get rid of our dependence on Russia," the Minister adds.

The compromise proposal foresees that all new buildings will have to be emission-free from 2030, with the obligation for public buildings starting in 2028. By 2050, all existing buildings should be emission-free. The rules also provide for exemptions for certain buildings, such as historic or architecturally protected buildings.

Renovated buildings not only use less energy, but also save money and improve the quality of the indoor environment. The directive also includes the digitisation of energy performance certificates for buildings and greater development of infrastructure for sustainable mobility, which will encourage the development of electromobility. The final form and approval of the legislation now depends on the agreement of the Member States with the European Parliament and the European Commission.

During the Council meeting in Luxembourg, ministers also discussed further legislation from the Fit for 55 package, this time on the proposal for a gas package, i.e. a regulation and directive on rules for the internal market for renewable and low-emission gases, natural gas and hydrogen. Almost a year after the proposals were tabled, it was thus possible to discuss this key legislation at the ministerial level. "Properly set rules for the European market for natural gas and, in the future, for low-carbon and renewable gases, including hydrogen, will help us not only in reducing emissions but also in dealing with crisis situations like the current one," said Minister Síkela.