Energy Union: EU-Turkey High Level Energy Dialogue officially launched by Vice-President Maros Šefčovič

On 16 March 2015, Vice-President Šefčovič and Turkish Energy Minister Yildiz launched a new High Level Energy Dialogue between the EU and Turkey. Both agreed to hold the High Level Energy Dialogue at ministerial level on a more regular basis, at least once a year. The next Dialogue will include all relevant energy sectors such as gas, electricity, nuclear, renewables, energy efficiency and climate action, in particular with a view to the preparation to COP21 in Paris. It will take place still this year, with the participation of Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Arias Cañete and Turkish Energy Minister Yildiz. Both as a candidate country currently engaging in accession negotiations with the EU and a contributor to the EU’s energy security, Turkey has made an important progress in aligning its legislation with the “acquis communautaire”. The screening of Turkey’s energy legislation against the “energy acquis” has been completed. In this regard, Parties have both agreed to improve cooperation and their policy dialogue in the energy sector, which plays a key role in their relations. The launching of the High Level Dialogue also clearly underlines the commitment of the European Commission, as reflected in its recently adopted Energy Union Framework Strategy of 25 February 2015, to establish strategic energy partnerships with increasingly important energy producing and transit countries.

[:]