Brussels, 25/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 25 April, the European Commission launched a consultation process among stakeholders (investors, project promoters, wind farm builders, companies in the energy sector, public services and environmental defence NGOs) aimed at setting out the obstacles that hamper continued development of offshore wind energy in Europe and to find ways to overcome these obstacles. Stakeholders' responses will contribute to the preparation, by the Commission, of a Community action plan for large-scale deployment of offshore wind farms. Consultation is open until 20 June 2008. The text is available at: http: //ec.europa.eu/energy/res/consultation/offshore_wind_energy_en.htm. (E.H.)