Brussels, 16/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - As part of the meeting of the oil supply group on Wednesday 16 December, the European Commission and experts from member states assessed the preparedness of the EU in oil stocks and products in the event of an emergency situation occurring this winter. Member states indicated that they had sufficient stocks to ensure continued use of their refinery and distribution systems, even if there were a cut in supplies for any length of time. Crude oil security stocks and oil products maintained to this end comply with Community legislation (the current directive 2006/67/EC) for an average of 122 days for consumption and which is clearly higher than the 90 obligatory days stipulated. During this meeting, the Commission reminded member states of the importance of respecting stock requirements and notification deadlines contained in Community legislation on oil stocks. The group also said that it intended to continue to work towards respect for a vigorous approach on declarations of stock included it in the applicable legislation, in an effort to permanently ensure an accurate overview of stock levels. Finally, the Commission and member states held an exchange of views on implementation of the new legislation on oil stocks adopted by the EU last September (the new directive 2009/119/EC), which is due to be transposed into national legislation in member states on 31 December 2012. It is aimed at realigning the EU's oil stock system on current international practices and will enhance the EU's ability to efficiently use these stocks in a way that reduces, to a minimum, negative consequences on consumers in the event of a supply crisis. (E.H.)