Cyprus welcomed the inclusion of a provision to reduce administrative burdens in relation to auctions for renewable energy projects in the proposed Net Zero Industry Act regulation, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Marios Panayides, said during the Competitiveness Council of the EU, which met in its internal market and industry configuration in Brussels on Thursday.

During the meeting, the Council of the EU adopted its general approach on the proposal for a regulation establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net zero emission technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act or NZIA).

In his intervention, Panayides welcomed the compromise text, expressing satisfaction with the inclusion of a provision that reduces administrative burdens relating auctions for Renewable Energy projects, especially in small markets such as Cyprus.

He also welcomed the inclusion of Sustainable Alternative Fuels (SAF) in the list of strategic net zero technologies, following a joint request from Cyprus and other member states.

During an informal working lunch, in the presence of Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, the ministers discussed the more active involvement of SMEs in the Net Zero Economy.

According to a press release, during the Council, the Ministers also exchanged views on the proposal for a Regulation on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the EU market.

Panayides stressed in his intervention that an active role of the Commission at all stages will be crucial for the proper implementation of the Regulation.

Denmark, France and Germany also put on the table the need to adopt measures to reduce administrative burdens on companies in unprecedented circumstances, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and geopolitical crises.

Finally, the member states participating in the Unified Patent Court (UPC) Agreement welcomed its launch in a joint statement.