Negotiations long into the night, a constantly ringing mobile phone and endless versions of every document. But also major successes on the work front and personal satisfaction at contributing to a more climate-smart Europe. This has been the autumn for Anette Persson, Chair of the Council Working Party on Energy.

Energy issues are dear to Anette Persson’s heart. Not just because they are so strongly linked to the increasingly important climate issues, but also because they have a geopolitical dimension that makes them particularly exciting.

“On a personal level, it has felt really good to work for the priorities of the Swedish Presidency – initiatives for renewable energy and energy efficiency,” says Anette. “It’s wonderful to be able to make one’s own small contribution.”

Unanimity most important

Her work base has been the Swedish Permanent Representation in Brussels, but large parts of her job have been carried out at other institutions in the EU. The most important job as Chair is to achieve unanimity – both among the 27 Member States, and also among the European Council, Parliament and Commission. By the time the ministers ultimately meet in their formal Council configurations to take decisions, the majority of Anette’s work is already done.

“During Council meetings, my role is partly to prepare the minister and the EU ambassador for the meeting by bringing them up to speed on what has happened in earlier stages of the negotiations, and partly to be present to take notes, summarise what is said and provide general support to the Swedish delegation.”

Major national differences

The constant discussions and compromises are what make Anette’s job exciting, but also a little frustrating at times. Particularly when all the parties involved feel that they have already stretched as far as they can in the negotiations and cannot shift their positions any further.

“Take the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive for example,” says Anette. “All of the Member States were forced to agree even though there are substantial differences between countries. The climate varies hugely between the most northern parts of the EU and the areas furthest south, which makes finding single solutions more difficult. What’s more, countries have made varying progress in their national climate and energy efficiency efforts.”

Success in the energy area

Following assiduous efforts, all parties were able to agree on a wording of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Along with a directive on energy labelling of products and a regulation on energy labelling of tyres, this was one of the greatest achievements of the Swedish Presidency in the area of energy.

“You have to find compromises all the time, nobody can have everything they want. But everyone was satisfied with the agreement afterwards, even those who had objections from the start,” says Anette. “I am really proud that we managed to push these changes through, because I know that they will lead to real energy savings and environmental improvements.”

Where the action is

Anette started at the Swedish Permanent Representation in Brussels in September 2008 and even then, the focus was entirely on the upcoming Presidency. Since then things have moved quickly. Almost scarily quickly, according to Anette.

“So much has happened in such a short time, I haven’t had time to reflect on it along the way, I’ve just had to go with the flow. But I can certainly say that it has been a fantastic opportunity to be where the action is,” Anette concludes.