D. Sakova in Brussels: We need concrete solutions to high energy prices

Vytvorené dňa: 07.07.2025      Aktualizované dňa: 07.07.2025

Denisa Saková, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic, represented the Slovak Republic at the EU Competitiveness Council in Brussels. The meeting focused on the future competitiveness of European industry in the context of current global challenges. Particular attention was given to the automotive industry. At the same time, Slovakia supports proposals to simplify European regulations, known as the 'Omnibus' packages.

"I am pleased that the new European Commission recognises the need to change its approach to supporting European industry and is gradually putting forward proposals to do so. Today, we discussed concrete proposals on how to strengthen the cleantech sector, as well as energy-intensive sectors, both regulatorily and financially," said Economy Minister D. Saková.

Slovakia welcomes the proposals of the so-called Omnibus packages, which aim to simplify European regulations and reduce the administrative burden on companies. Some European directives require large companies to assess and report on the social impact of their activities. Slovakia did not support these directives when they were adopted, but they were rejected. Now, however, some of the impacts of these directives are beginning to be removed.

One of the main topics discussed at the EU Council was the new Clean Industrial Deal (CID), which was presented by the European Commission on 26 February 2025. The CID is a joint initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness and decarbonisation of European industry, based on the recommendations set out in reports by Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta. The CID is based on six key pillars, (the so-called "business drivers"), which support decarbonisation and digitalisation, and strengthen the EU's position in global markets by developing clean technologies, promoting the circular economy, and offering trade incentives. While Minister D. Saková appreciated this strategic document, she warned that it is not enough to immediately strengthen the competitiveness of European industry. "If Europe is to make a real difference to its industry, it must start addressing high energy prices and supply threats. We need immediate and targeted measures to support energy-intensive sectors in particular. Measures to quickly secure affordable energy for industry simply aren't part of the EU's current plans," the minister pointed out.

An important discussion was also held at the Council of Ministers on measures to support the European automotive sector, which is one of the key sectors of the European economy. The Commission has already presented solutions to alleviate the disproportionate environmental pressure on European car manufacturers. For Slovakia, it is particularly important that this objective is met while maintaining technological neutrality. The market should decide which solution to implement. "I am convinced that the automotive industry needs a stronger impetus for its further development in Europe. We cannot be satisfied with the solutions currently on the table," added D. Sakova.

The Press Department of MoE SR

Zdroj: http://www.mhsr.sk/top/d-sakova-in-brussels-we-need-concrete-solutions-to-high-energy-prices