3 December 2014: The EU and the US are committed to leading the fight against climate change, according to a joint statement released by the sixth meeting of the EU-US Energy Council. As outlined in the statement, the Council welcomed the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction commitments of the EU and the US, applauded their respective pledges to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and discussed mobilizing long-term investments in sustainable energy for developing regions.

The statement reaffirms both countries’ commitment to work toward an ambitious 2015 climate change agreement and states that the draft elements of the negotiating text should be agreed at the Lima Climate Change Conference. However, the statement suggests that work in forums outside the UNFCCC, such as the Major Economies Forum (MEF), the Group of 20 (G20) and the Group of Seven (G7), will be necessary to ensure the Paris Climate Change Conference yields a successful outcome.

In addition, the statement highlights the roles of energy policy and energy research and technology in meeting climate change and energy security goals. It calls for cooperation between the US and the EU to enhance the coordination of technology programmes and projects in addition to harmonization of the technologies and solutions themselves. The Council listed many examples of potential areas for cooperation, namely: renewables; critical materials; energy efficiency; nuclear fusion; hydrogen and fuel cells; smart grids and storage; carbon capture and storage (CCS); unconventional resources; ocean energy; and systems integration. The Council also welcomed the continuing exchange of information on policy areas of mutual interest.

On the role of sustainable energy in advancing energy security, the Council recognized the importance of energy efficiency, development and deployment of renewable and other low-carbon energy sources and sustainability in energy consumption and production. Council members also agreed on the importance of phasing out fossil-fuel subsidies. The Council highlighted the need to improve energy efficiency and increase renewable energy usage in Ukraine to enhance its energy security.

The statement was agreed at the EU-US Energy Council Meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, on 3 December 2014. According to the statement, the Council is a forum on EU-US energy priorities, which “promotes transparent and secure global energy markets, fosters policy and regulatory cooperation on efficient and sustainable energy use and pursues joint research and development on clean energy technologies.” [European Commission Press Release] [US State Department Press Release]