Brussels, 11/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - Cyprus is benefiting from natural gas recently discovered off its shoreline. It has taken over the reins of the presidency of the Council of the EU for the second half of 2012 and is making the issue of offshore petroleum-gas security activities a flagship theme in the energy field, which it is linking up to the question of increased cooperation with Mediterranean countries.
During its tenure, the Cypriot presidency will place the issue of offshore petro-gas security activities on the top of its energy agenda. Nicosia is seeking to boost negotiations between the Council and the European Parliament on the regulation to make offshore activities secure. In light of the Deepwater Horizon accident in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, this text aims to enhance the EU's preparation and intervention capacity, as well as help adopt good practices in this arena. This is a priority for a country that intends to exploit the gas reserve measuring almost 7 billion m3 - in Block 12, off its coastline. In his presentation to the parliamentary energy committee of his priorities, as president of the Energy Council, on Wednesday 11 July, the Cypriot minister Neoklis Sylikiotis, confirmed Cyprus's intention to become a significant energy centre and referred to, “a third way in the eastern Mediterranean” for enhancing Europe's energy supply. The use of offshore petroleum-gas supplies in the Mediterranean will require increased cooperation between countries on its southern and eastern perimeters, explained the minister, who added that, “Cyprus has excellent relations with Israel and neighbouring countries. It is important that we find a cooperation formula to guarantee drilling security”. He also appealed for, “a common declaration that aims to reduce risks” or “the signing of agreements to protect the whole of the Mediterranean”.
On the question of energy security, Cyprus is placing much stock on renewables and would like to stimulate the debate at the Council on support for penetrating green energies by 2020, on the basis of recent suggestions from the Commission (EUROPE 10628). This theme will be at the heart of the informal Energy Council meeting on 17 September in Nicosia, in view of conclusions for the formal December session.
Given its island location, which makes it vulnerable, Cyprus also wants to make progress in the Council/Parliament negotiations on a legislative package on trans-European infrastructure. (EH/trans/fl)