EU wants end to energy support measures by 2024

The European Commission wants all EU states to "wind down" energy support measures in force at present by the end of this year.

In its policy guidance issued today to member states, the commission said that it wants EU states to step up cuts to fossil fuel consumption.

And in the event of renewed energy price increases, the commission wants any new support measures after 2023 to be targeted at protecting vulnerable households and firms rather than wider support policies. Such measures should also be "fiscally affordable" as well as maintain incentives for energy savings, the commission said.

Despite recent steps to increase energy security, the commission sees no room for "complacency". The share of Russian pipeline imports in total EU gas imports dropped to 7pc in January, the commission said — having made up well over a third of Europe's supply in the years before 2022. But a potential complete halt to Russian gas supplies, infrastructure "incidents", droughts and unplanned power plant maintenance could create "concerns" for security of supply, it said.

The commission called for EU countries to focus on implementing climate and energy legislation to reach a 55pc reduction of greenhouse gases by 2030, most of which has been approved. Further efforts are needed in most areas, such as climate change adaptation and food systems, including soil preservation and other land use sectors, the commission said.

The commission also issued country-specific recommendations. For France, officials want accelerated deployment of renewables, focusing particularly on wind, solar and geothermal sources and biogas. Italy should increase internal gas transmission capacity to diversify energy imports, it said. And Germany must boost investment and deployment of renewables through improvements in administrative capacity and permitting. Poland should also accelerate legal reforms for grid connection permitting and renewables, including energy communities, biomethane and renewable hydrogen, according to the commission's recommendations.

By Dafydd ab Iago