Brussels, 25/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a joint resolution from the EPP-ED, PES, ALDE and UEN groups adopted on Thursday 25 September, the European Parliament stresses its concern about the rise in energy prices due to the adverse effect that such price increases have on the world economy and on consumers. Energy demand continues to grow despite the concerted global shift in energy policy and consumption, and the EP calls for a strong political commitment to adopt concrete measures aimed at reducing energy demand, promoting renewable sources and energy efficiency, pursuing supply diversification and reducing the dependency on imported fossil fuels. These measures should be accompanied by adequate financial commitments on research and development. The EP also specifies that member states should take short term targeted measures to attenuate the adverse effects of high energy prices for the poorest households. In this context, it invites the European Commission to present a communication on combating energy poverty, calling on member states to develop national action plans to eradicate the phenomenon. The Commission is called upon to ensure that the future Consumer Charter for Energy clearly sets out consumers' rights. Stressing the importance of appropriate tax measures to reduce the dependency of fossil fuels, combat climate change and introduce incentives for investment in energy efficiency and renewables, the EP calls on the Commission to present its proposals for review of the directive on energy tax. Despite a fall in prices in recent weeks, the EP invites the Commission to oversee the development of oil prices, which remain very high and do not always reflect the downward fluctuations of crude prices. Stressing the importance of greater transparency and better reliability of data on the oil markets, the EP calls for a better understanding of how oil product prices develop. It also supports review of Community legislation on security stocks. The Commission is also called upon to ensure compliance with Community legislation on competition in the oil (including refineries), gas and electricity sectors, as well as to investigate the link between oil prices and gas prices in gas contracts, with a view to an appropriate political response. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is invited to play a more important role in financing energy efficiency and the development of renewables. Finally, the EP encourages the strengthening of corporate social liability within energy companies, in order to better orient private investment in the energy sector towards energy saving programmes and alternative energy technology. (E.H./transl.jl)