The energy sector could have an essential role in contributing to the EU’s economic recovery after COVID-19, Croatia's Environment and Energy Minister, Tomislav Coric, said on Tuesday.

The videoconference organized by the Croatian presidency on Tuesday with EU energy ministers was the first meeting after the COVID-19 outbreak to provide immediate and effective support to the energy sector.

"The main objective of the discussions is to assess the preparedness of the security of supply and to exchange views on the possible contributions of the energy sector to economic recovery after this crisis," Coric said at the video press conference organized following the energy ministers' meeting.

From discussions during the meeting, it was ascertained that the EU internal energy market is functioning very well and is therefore resilient to the challenges that are being faced during this crisis, according to Coric.

With member states' close cooperation and measures taken, secure supply has been assured in this unpredictable period, Coric said, stressing that "at the current phase, consideration should be given to economic recovery.”

Coric also said that ministers also deduced at the meeting that the European Green Deal together with national energy and climate plans could play an important role in bringing sustainable recovery to the EU economy.

Covic said that ministers also reflected on how the initiatives, such as the renovation wave – a part of the European Green deal that aims to kick-start the transformation of today's buildings into the buildings of the future, as well as renewable energy projects, infrastructure investments and a fair transition mechanism could contribute to a fast and efficient recovery.

"It is clear that the energy sector could have an essential role in contributing to the EU economic recovery. The decrease in emissions in the last weeks and months can be a major opportunity for the transmission and transformation to green growth and climate neutrality," he noted.

Coric also noted that on their next meeting in June, the energy ministers will have a clear position of the EU member states on state aid to energy companies.

By Ebru Sengul Cevrioglu

Anadolu Agency

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