Brussels, 14/05/2001 (Agence Europe) - In Brussels on Monday, the Energy Council adopted conclusions defining the methodological framework for discussions over the Green Paper "towards a European strategy for the security of energy supply", presented by the European Commission last November (see EUROPE of 30 November, p. 5). In anticipation of the debate that is to go on until the end of the year, the Council invites its technical divisions to focus on three ways for enabling the EU to reduce its dependence on energy imports: 1) promoting research and development into technologies allowing to improve energy efficiency; 2) developing alternative transportation modes, facilities and fuels; 3) use of tax instruments.
On as more general level, the Council supports the line proposed by the Commission stressing that "a national and Community strategy is necessary to improve energy supply in Europe". It says it is aware that "measures taken so far, notably concerning the opening up and integration of energy markets, energy efficiency and renewable energies, contribute in resolving the problem". Ministers propose focusing on "means of controlling the growth in demand and managing the EU's dependence, pursuing the debate at Community level and with supplier countries". To that end, they continue, "the debate should take account of the effects on the security of supply of policies and measures already in place or being prepared, as well as whether or not to integrate the security of supply into these policies". Germany is said to have wanted a more precise text, notably citing the promotion of renewable and "indigenous" energies or improving transit infrastructures. The Commission has been asked to present an interim report "mid-2001" on ongoing consultations.
The European Commission is satisfied that Ministers should have recognized that the supply policy had to be based on two pillars, supply and demand, remarked the spokesman for Commissioner Loyola de Palacio. "The Council has, moreover, recognized that renewable energies need developing and that tax instruments may be used", he added.
During debates, several States referred to the principle of subsidiarity, notably the United Kingdom regarding tax. Whereas France placed emphasis on the need to use renewable energies and nuclear energy to respect the Kyoto commitments on CO2 emissions, but Denmark and Austria stated that nuclear energy was "not an option". Spain and Germany, for their part, stressed that the European capacity for coal production had to be maintained to ensure "local production". Several delegations considered that the first element of sound management of energy supply had to be a better organisation on the internal market for gas and electricity. Ministers also stressed the importance of agreements with third countries, and foremost Russia, as well as other producer states.