The capitals Vilnius, Talinn, Athens, Sofia, Bratislava, Helsinki and La Lavetta are still waiting for Piebalgs. According to his spokesman, the talks should be regarded as ‘a good starting point from two sides’. Both partners exchange views on the general EU policies, including sustainable energy objectives.

In recent months, the UK, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands have presented new targets for renewable energy.  “It is very positive that some countries already came up with new ambitious objectives. But is too early to say if the Commission will copy these objectives into the EU objectives”, says the spokesman, who denies that negotiations are already underway. “First we exchange calculations. This is a very delicate matter.”