Brussels, 16 December 2025
Geothermal energy
The meeting started with the presentation of a report on the future of geothermal energy by Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The report highlighted that there is a huge unlocked potential for geothermal energy for electricity, heating and cooling all around the world. With continued cost reductions, next-generation geothermal could meet up to 15% of global electricity demand growth to 2050.
In Europe, as a dispatchable source of energy, geothermal can provide around-the-clock electricity that can complement large amounts of variable wind and solar PV, making energy transitions more secure and affordable. Geothermal could also help decarbonise the use of low- and medium-temperature heat in buildings and industries. Technologies and resources are available, but cost reductions are crucial to unlock the market potential of next-generation geothermal.
Following the presentation, energy ministers unanimously supported and approved the Council conclusions on the promotion of geothermal energy, which are in line with the findings of the IEA report. The conclusions highlight the potential of geothermal energy as a local renewable energy source in terms of providing energy security, sustainability and contributing to affordable energy prices. The use of geothermal energy contributes to the strategic objectives of the European Union by decreasing energy dependence and fossil fuel imports, especially in heating and cooling.
Geothermal energy is a long-lasting and always available renewable source, since it does not depend on weather events and can provide around-the-clock electricity generation and heat production. Today’s conclusions aim to boost this sustainable energy source, which can help us ensure a smooth transition to a carbon-free Europe, strengthen our competitiveness, and secure our energy sovereignty.
Csaba Lantos, Hungarian Minister for Energy
Despite the benefits of geothermal energy and its role in the decarbonisation of the energy sector as a mature net-zero technology, the potential of geothermal energy remains untapped. The Council calls for a faster deployment of geothermal energy by adopting new or adapted rules for its promotion, facilitating access to finance to address high upfront investment costs and enhancing the workforce and research on geothermal energy.
The Council calls on the Commission to draw up a comprehensive strategy on the decarbonisation of heating and cooling and a dedicated European geothermal action plan with measures to facilitate geothermal projects and to accelerate the deployment of geothermal energy.
Future of energy policy
Ministers held a discussion on the future of energy policy in view of a genuine energy union. They exchanged views on the priorities for the next legislative cycle and discussed how these can help build the energy union.
Ministers reiterated their commitment to the transition towards a clean energy system. They acknowledged that, while good progress has been made, several challenges remain. They concurred that in order to achieve an energy union, the EU and its member states would need to reach their climate objectives while simultaneously addressing the high energy prices, ensuring energy security and safeguarding competitiveness.
In particular, ministers agreed that, as a first step, the focus should be on implementing the recently adopted Fit for 55 framework. They stressed the need to guarantee supply of affordable and clean energy to citizens and businesses, including through the integration of all renewable and all low carbon sources. Several ministers called for a just and inclusive energy transition, while others highlighted the importance of an interconnected electricity market.
Grids action plan
The Commission and the Hungarian presidency provided follow-up information to the EU action plan on grids.
- Follow up to the action plan on grids
- Watch public session
- An EU action plan for grids (European Commission)
Electricity market
Over lunch, ministers informally discussed electricity market developments, together with Christian Zinglersen, director of the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER).
Any other business
Ministers received an update from the Commission on winter preparedness and recent developments in international energy relations.
The Hungarian presidency also briefed ministers on the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) Conference, which took place in Budapest on 14-15 November 2024.
- Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) Conference (Budapest, 14-15 November 2024)
- Watch public session
Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands informed ministers on the need for exporting cleaner fuels, as a commitment to public health and the environment.
- Towards the export of cleaner fuels: a commitment to public health and the environment
- Watch public session
Austria, together with Czechia and Slovakia, raised a point on the impact of the gas storage neutrality charge and the need for better coordination at European level.
Finally, as the incoming presidency, Poland presented its work programme on energy.
The Council also adopted without discussion the items on the lists of legislative and non-legislative A items.
Preparatory documents
- List of A items, non-legislative activities
- List of A items, legislative deliberations
- Provisional list of A items, legislative deliberations
- Provisional agenda
- Background brief
Outcome documents
Press releases
- Geothermal energy: Council calls for faster deployment
- Council adopts new rules to ensure safer firearms trade
- Road safety: Council adopts new law for better cooperation on road-safety-related traffic offences across Europe
- Council adopts the directive upgrading company law for the digital era
- Non-road machinery regulation: Council gives its final approval
- Sustainable packaging: Council signs off on new rules for less waste and more re-use in the EU
Source – EU Council