The directive, agreed on Wednesday evening (13 June) by EU negotiators, aimed to cut down Europe’s energy consumption by 20%, but after negotiations the target will be set at 17%.

“It is with great pleasure that the Danish presidency has made a deal with the European Parliament and the Commission,” Lidegaard told the Danish daily Politiken after the negotiations.

“It has been underway for a long time and there have been tough negotiations. Therefore I also have to say that, this is a deal which will be approved on Friday by my colleagues and I when we have the meeting in the Council,” Lidegaard said.