Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-06-13-Speech-3-268"
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"en.20010613.10.3-268"2
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"Mr President, Mr Linkohr, ladies and gentlemen, the problem of the security of energy supplies is not new to the European Union. As the rapporteur mentioned, the hike in oil prices just over a year ago gave us an indication of how easily Europe could be destabilised by the speculative manoeuvres of the major oil exporters.
Once again, Europe has been unable to take coordinated action because of its great dependence. Today, therefore, it is particularly crucial that we adopt a coherent strategy to allow the European Union to provide this security. In 2000, Europe imported 75% of its total oil requirements and by 2020, this figure will reach 85%. We must, therefore, take steps to reduce our dependence. These measures include, first of all, diversifying our supply sources and we must develop long-term strategies for the Persian Gulf, Caspian Sea and Caucasus regions, if only to limit the influence of OPEC. In this connection, we have just cause to welcome the European Commission’s energy initiatives in the context of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. The European Union has everything to gain from stepping up the dialogue, by means of the Euro-Mediterranean Energy Forum.
Reducing our dependence on oil exporting countries can also be achieved by diversifying the energy sources. I am thinking, of course, of sources of renewable energy and biofuels. I am also thinking, however, of nuclear energy, even though I know that many people here are opposed to this. Of course, we must obviously stress the need for research in order to minimise the production of waste and risks to safety. Gas may also represent an alternative energy source and I support the proposal seeking to carry out a feasibility study on the construction of new oil and gas pipelines between the Middle East, West Africa and Europe.
Another aspect of our strategy must focus on the rational use of energy and I welcome the Commission’s proposal to submit to the Gothenburg Council a plan for energy savings and diversification of energy sources, which will aim at more efficient use of energy. Lastly, transport is a sector that deserves all our attention. According to current forecasts, the transport sector will account for 71% of demand for oil by 2020 and, as rapporteur, I note with interest the request from Mr Linkohr to carry out research under the Sixth Programme for Research and Development.
To sum up, I also believe that tax harmonisation has an important role to play in the strategy that I have just mentioned and I support the proposals that have been made on this by my fellow Member, Mr Linkohr. I would, moreover, like to end my speech by offering him my warm congratulations for his work and for his skilful approach."@en1
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