State Secretary Szabolcs Hodosy on Energy Connectivity in Central and South Eastern Europe in Budapest

On Tuesday, 29th of October, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic (MH) attended the Ministerial Meeting of the Central and South-Eastern Europe Energy Connectivity (CESEC) Group in Budapest, where he represented the Slovak Republic. The CESEC platform has been in existence since 2015 and its objectives are the integration of gas and electricity markets in these regions, as well as the implementation of cross-border projects aimed at diversifying gas supplies. CESEC members also cooperate in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

State Secretary Szabolcs Hodosy took part in several discussions in Budapest on topics ranging from regional cooperation in the fields of natural gas and renewable electricity, electricity infrastructure and integration of electricity markets within the CESEC regions, to the preparation of individual countries for the coming winter and the development of hydrogen.

"The Solidarity Ring, the Eastring project and the Vertical Corridor hold great promise for ensuring reliable gas supplies to our regions. Slovakia strongly supports these initiatives as they are fully in line with the European Union's key objective of strengthening energy security by diversifying gas routes and sources," said State Secretary Hodosy during a discussion on cooperation in the field of natural gas and infrastructure.

He added: "At the same time, it is necessary to underline the crucial importance of maintaining the functionality of the Ukrainian route, as this transmission route has the potential for gas supplies from alternative sources", recalling that European energy policy focuses on reducing dependence on traditional suppliers.

The CESEC platform has become an important forum for discussing energy issues in the region in recent years, with countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and others taking part in its activities and strengthening cooperation between countries.

Press department MH SR