Tag: Energy Policy for Europe

The Commission was quick to use the Russia-Belarus oil dispute to make its case for stronger EU co-operation on energy as it prepares to table ambitious proposals today (10 January 2007).

Proposals to be unveiled this week introduce a 'softer option' that would avoid breaking up major energy utilities in an attempt to ease tensions with France and Germany over market liberalisation.

The Commission opened the debate on a future common European Energy Policy with the publication of a 'Green Paper' in March 2006. Suggestions include completing the opening of European gas and electricity markets and stepping up relations with major suppliers such as Russia and OPEC. Other key suggestions include boosting renewable energies, energy efficiency, and research on low-carbon technologies. However, EU member states have already made clear that they would not tolerate interference with national sovereignty, especially when it comes to taking sensitive political decisions such as opting for nuclear power.

Most Europeans prefer decisions on energy issues taken at national or local level, according to an opinion survey published just weeks ahead of major new Commission proposals.

New EU legislation that would split power distribution from network ownership are being resisted by France and Germany amid a growing body of reports calling for full 'ownership unbundling'.

A proposal will be issued at the end of November to incorporate energy issues in all of the EU's relations with neighbouring countries, External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner has announced.

Heads of state and government will try to advance energy talks with Russia at an informal meeting on 20 October. A network of EU energy correspondents is expected to be formed to tackle potential external energy crises.

The Commission and Javier Solana have issued a joint paper proposing immediate actions that would allow EU nations to handle the growing dependence on foreign energy suppliers such as Russia.

The European Commission has taken legal action against 17 member states for dragging their feet in applying EU electricity and gas market liberalisation legislation into national law.