Brussels, 20/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - In a committee meeting, the European Parliament confirmed the agreement concluded with the member states on the future legal framework for making oil and gas activities at sea more secure.
On 19 March, the energy committee adopted the temporary agreement established on 21 February at the trialogue meeting with the Council and the Commission on the draft directive for replacing the current patchwork of laws governing offshore oil and gas drilling in the EU's territorial waters (see EUROPE 10791).
Under the terms of the agreement, companies' offshore oil and gas platforms will have to submit reports on major dangers and emergency intervention plans, before they can obtain permission for drilling. Permits will only be granted if a company can prove that it has enough funds to make reparation flor any possible environmental damages caused (see EUROPE 10707).
The final plenary vote will is expected in May. (EH/transl.fl)