Strasbourg, 14/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday evening at the European Parliament, Loyola de Palacio, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for energy and transport, presented a communication that the Commission had just adopted on strengthening energy cooperation with neighbouring countries (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.12). Calling upon these countries to meet its needs in natural gas and oil, the Union considers energy may be used as a "vector for stability" in relations with the "circle of friends", she said. She noted that the latter will become full partners on the internal gas and electricity market, which will make a strong contribution to their wellbeing and economic stability, at the same time as to the Union's strategic interests.
The Commission therefore insists in its communication on the following aspects: - progressive creation of a real integrated gas and electricity European market, which involves investment in the electricity production and transport structures of Union partners; - encouraging energy infrastructure projects corresponding to the Union's strategic interests. The Union must not, Ms de Palacio said, limit itself to its nearest neighbours, but also involve other countries such as Iran or the countries of the region around the Caspian Sea; - continued energy dialogue with Russia. Here, discussions begin to be entering into details: the level of reciprocity in market access, protection of the environment, security, etc.
The Commission's communication will be officially presented to the Euromed meeting of energy ministers to be held next week in Athens.