Est. 1min 15-05-2001 (updated: 07-11-2012 ) Euractiv is part of the Trust Project >>> Languages: Français | DeutschPrint Email Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram EU Energy ministers adopt conclusions on way forward in debate on Commission’s Green Paper on security of energy supply The most controversial issues in the debate are the use of taxation instruments (ecotaxes) and the possible review of the position of nuclear energy within the energy production mix. There is basic agreement on the use of energy savings and the further development of renewable energies. Read more with Euractiv Commission proposes action for energy efficiency in buildingsCommission proposes new draft Directive aiming at improving energy efficiency in buildings within the EU Subscribe now to our newsletter EU Elections Decoded Email Address * Politics Newsletters PositionsGermany is in favour of more development of renewable energies but also wants to maintain the EU's capacity for coal production. France also supports renewable energy sources, but would like to reopen the debate on nuclear energy in view of the EU's Kyoto commitments on fighting climate change. Several EU Member States do not see nuclear energy as an option. BackgroundEU Energy ministers adopted conclusions on the way forward in the debate on the Commission's Green Paper on security of energy supply on Monday 14 May. The Ministers supported the strategy proposed by the Commission to reduce the EU's dependence on energy imports. In November 2000, the Commission adopted its Green Paper on a European strategy for the security of energy supply, with the aim of launching a stakeholders' debate during the year 2001. In order to counter the increasing external dependence of the EU in the energy sector and to win the fight against climate change, the Commission's Green Paper proposes a long-term energy strategy, consisting of the following main elements: an active policy of energy saving and diversification, an alternative transport policy, an increased share of new and renewable energy sources, a reconsideration of the contribution of all energy sources to the national supply situation, and an examination of "common solutions to common problems". Timeline The Council asked the Commission to present an interim report on the Green paper consultations by mid-2001. The European Parliament's industry committee will organise a hearing on the Green Paper on 21 June. The first discussion in the industry committee will take place on 11 July (rapporteur is MEP Giles Chichester, EPP/ED Group). The vote in the industry committee is expected on 17 September.
