COPENHAGEN: Europe is under pressure. The geopolitical scene is changed, the global competition is more intense, the supply chains are strained, and the consequences of climate change are growing.
An important part of the answer to the challenges lies in creating an energy independent Europe. Because a Europe that produces sufficient clean energy is a safer and more competitive Europe.
Therefore, the Danish EU Presidency has gathered EU’s energy ministers in Copenhagen to discuss solutions and push Europe closer to both energy independence and a faster and cost-effective green transition.
”Russian fossil fuels are not a part of Europe’s future. To strengthen our security, energy supply and competitiveness, we have to definitively close the door so it is impossible for Russian gas to enter the EU. At the same time we have to increase the production of clean European energy and getting better at utilizing our energy diversity. Energy independence is absolutely crucial for a stronger Europe, and as Presidency, we will work tirelessly to realize it,” says Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard.
Among other things, the energy ministers have discussed how to increase the production of clean energy in Europe, and how to close the gaps in the energy infrastructure. It is necessary to strengthen Europe’s security of supply – and much needed if the phase out of Russian oil and gas is to be realized in a way that strengthens Europe’s competitiveness as well. Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Roman Andarak, also participated in the meeting. Supporting Ukraine is a key priority for the Danish EU Presidency.
European tripartites
The concept of ‘tripartite’-agreements is familiar in Denmark because of the green deal in 2024. With this, a vast majority of the Danish Parliament, agriculture and environment organizations as well as industry representatives came together to negotiate a green deal – resulting in the first ever tax on agricultural emissions.
Inspired by the Danish model, the Commission has decided to push for common ground between the public sector, interest organizations and industry. During the informal ministerial meeting of the energy ministers in Copenhagen, the first two European tripartites were launched by Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen – one regarding offshore wind, the other storage and flexibility.
The goal is to produce more clean energy in Europe which requires a closer cooperation between the public sector, the developers and consumers to be able to break down barriers. During the launch, the Commission unveiled that other tripartites will follow. The Danish EU-Presidency will support the Commission’s work on this in the months to come.
Facts
- Denmark assumed the EU Council Presidency on July 1, 2025, and will continue to hold it for the rest of 2025.
- Council meetings for the EU’s energy ministers are scheduled for October 20 and December 15, 2025. The Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard will chair the meetings.
- The informal meeting of the EU’s energy ministers was held in Copenhagen on September 4-5, 2025. It was the 7th informal ministerial meeting out of 15 in total hosted by the Danish Presidency.
- The agenda included:
- How to secure clean affordable and European energy in EU after 2030.
- How the energy sector can help support Europe’s digital future.
- How to best close the gaps in Europe’s energy infrastructure.
- The launch of two European tripartites for offshore wind as well as flexibility and storage.