What’s next in Europe? – Timeline of European climate and energy policy

Czech Republic takes over EU Council presidency

The Council represents the executive governments of member states, and the presidency rotates among EU member states every six months. It is not only responsible for setting policy priorities and planning and chairing meetings among ministers and heads of government, but must also try and reach agreement on laws with the EU’s other legislative bodies – the Commission and the Parliament. Member states holding the presidency work together closely in groups of three, called 'trios'. Preceding presidency France cooperates with the Czech Republic and Sweden.

The Czech priorities are:

1. Managing the refugee crisis and Ukraine’s post-war recovery
2. Energy security
3. Strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities and cyberspace security
4. Strategic resilience of the European economy
5. Resilience of democratic institutions

Find the Czech presidency programme here.

In September each year, the President of the European Commission delivers the State of the Union address to the Parliament. The address takes stock of the achievements of the past year and presents the priorities for the year ahead. Von der Leyen is expected to outline the Commission's ideas on capping energy prices.

In a press conference, Commissioner Timmermans and Simson will present the proposals for an emergency intervention to address high energy prices.

Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Sikela of the Czech Republic, which holds the Council presidency, announced an extraordinary meeting of energy ministers to discuss the energy crisis. "I have just convened another extraordinary Energy Council to discuss the Commission's proposals for dealing with high energy prices."

Daniel Sheridan Ferrie, European Commission

This is one of four regular meetings of EU heads of state and government as the European Council.

The Commission plans to present the second part of its circular economy package, including:

• Proposal for a Regulation on substantiating environmental claims using the Product/
  Organisation Environmental Footprint methods (green claims)
• Policy framework for bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics
• Review of the Packaging and packaging waste directive to reinforce the essential
  requirements for packaging and establish EU level packaging waste prevention
  measures and targets

Also on the agenda:

• Carbon removal certification
• Review of the CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles

This is one of four regular meetings of EU heads of state and government as the European Council.