Brussels, 29/03/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 28 March, the European Commission launched negotiation procedure for a new EU/United States agreement on the energy efficiency programme for office equipment, Energy Star. In the context of this joint programme, energy efficiency specifications and a common logo, Energy Star, are used on both sides of the Atlantic in order to identify and design office equipment (computers, printers, photocopiers, fax machines, etc.) that meet energy efficiency requirements and approved performance requirements. Consumers will thus find it easier to find their way through the maze of optimal energy products available on the market. The programme, which began in 2001 (EUROPE 8002), is to be completed in June this year after five years' implementation. The new agreement that the Union is to negotiate with the United States (once the Council has given the Commission a negotiating brief) will include more ambitious energy efficiency norms for office equipment.