Commission launches High-Level Dialogue with the European refining sector

The European Commission launched this week the first High-Level Dialogue with the European refining industry to discuss how to strengthen Europe’s energy security, defence readiness and industrial competitiveness in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.

The meeting was chaired by Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, and Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space. Participants included representatives from the oil refining sector, European refiners, emerging fuel producers, engineering companies, technology providers, relevant industry associations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Today’s discussion addressed the short-term response to the ongoing disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East as well as the medium-term outlook for the competitiveness and transformation of European refineries. Discussions focused on how to optimise existing European refining capacity, strengthen the resilience of fuel supply chains and ensure sufficient production capacity to respond to increased demand, including in times of crisis and for defence purposes. Participants exchanged views on the main pressures facing the sector, including high energy costs, global competition and investment needs on the pathway towards sustainable biofuels and e-fuels. The Commission underlined the importance of a coordinated approach to support the transformation of the refining industry, while safeguarding jobs, industrial competitiveness and the EU’s strategic interests. Attention was paid to preserving Europe’s strategic fuel production capabilities in the longer-term, while supporting investment in alternative fuels and ensuring that the sector can continue to meet the EU’s energy security and defence readiness needs.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →