Brussels, 08/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - Ahead of the European Council on energy, scheduled for 22 May, the president of the Commission, José Manuel Barroso, calls the capitals to order regarding the risks of a fragmented market.
In a letter addressed on Wednesday 8 May to the heads of state and/or government of the EU27, Barroso calls on member states to “act urgently” and to “give a political push at the highest level” to boost common energy policy in order to “enhance the competitiveness of our business, boost sustainable growth, respond to the shifts in the global energy landscape and keep rising energy prices in check”.
“Although the energy mix differs considerably from one member state to another, all are facing similar challenges. We can tackle these challenges better together. Energy prices differ considerably across the EU because our market is fragmented. Failure to tap into the benefits of energy efficiency means businesses and consumers pay more than they need for their energy supplies. We have part of the solution to high energy prices in our hands - if we complete our internal energy market and implement existing legislation”, Barroso argues in his letter. He calls on the leaders of the 27 EU member states to build on the conclusions reached by the first European Council devoted to energy, in February 2011 (see EUROPE 10309), and promises he will suggest “some policy orientations” at their meeting on 22 May.
“Absolutely crucial to this is the completion of a fully-functioning, interconnected and integrated internal energy market which is central to Europe's competitiveness and must not be fragmented”, the Commission president stresses, underlining how urgent it is to complete the transposition and implementation of the third energy package on liberalisation of the internal energy market. He also states urgent steps must be taken to facilitate sustainable private and public investment including at EU level in energy infrastructure, which is the internal energy market's backbone across borders. He states it is necessary to continue strengthening internal and external diversification of supplies. This includes tapping into new international sources. “It also requires a more coordinated approach between member states on the positive rise of renewables and a balanced, Union-wide approach on using the potential of unconventional hydrocarbons”, Barroso concludes. (EH/transl.jl)