Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the need for a swift energy transition away from fossil fuels has never been clearer. On May 18, energy ministers from Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands as well as the European Commissioner for Energy gather at the North Sea Summit in Esbjerg to discuss how renewable energy from the North Sea can help the EU achieve climate neutrality and energy independence. The ministers will present concrete plans for enhanced cooperation on buildout of offshore wind.
”The EU must become independent from Russian fossil fuels as fast as possible and the best way forward is for the European countries to work together to scale up and speed up the buildout of renewable energy in the North Sea. At this summit we will present some of the key solutions needed for Europe to make the ambitious transition to renewables and that is why I am looking very much forward to welcoming my fellow energy ministers in Esbjerg,” says Danish Minister of Climate and Energy, Dan Jørgensen.
The meeting of the energy ministers will take place at the same day as the Head of States from Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands participate in the North Sea Summit in Esbjerg. The President of the European Commission is also participating in the summit.
In March, the European Commission proposed an outline to how the EU can take joint action to ensure more affordable, secure and sustainable energy. The Commission is expected to present a full RePowerEU-proposal within the month of May.
Read more about the summit at the Prime Minister's office here.
FACTS
- On May 18, Denmark will host the North Sea Summit in Esbjerg
- Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, will participate in the summit along with the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, the prime minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, and the prime minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo
- Additionally, the energy ministers from each country will attend the summit along with the Commissioner for Energy. They will discuss how offshore wind and clean hydrogen can help the European energy transition
- Major business leaders will also participate in a business conference during the summit
REGISTRATION
All media must be accredited to participate in the press events. Accreditation via ipcd.dk from May 11.
Only in-person registration for physical attendance.
MEDIA CONTACT
For media inquiries: Esther Margrethe Lynard, press advisor at the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Utilities, esmal@kefm.dk