Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-10-24-Speech-4-028"
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"en.20021024.3.4-028"2
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".
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the European Commission proposes a revision of the guidelines for Trans-European Energy Networks in order to update European policy in this field.
Since 1996, when the first guidelines were adopted, certain salient events have taken place on the European energy scene. I shall limit myself to pointing out the most important, namely the first phase of the internal market, increasing use of natural gas – which also reflects our concern for improved environmental protection – the setting of more ambitious objectives with regard to the use of renewable energy sources and, lastly, the prospects that have now been confirmed with regard to the enlargement of the Union. The Commission proposal reflects these events in the priorities of our energy network policy and in the other provisions of the guidelines.
The most important element of our proposal is the establishment of twelve priority axes for the development of the energy networks, in order to integrate them fully at European level. These axes determine the broad lines that are essential to the operation of a competitive energy market and improved safety of the energy supply, specifically with regard to natural gas.
I am pleased to note that the Barcelona European Council gave its approval to the swift implementation of these projects and clearly recognised their political importance for the European Union as a whole.
I would like to remind you that, in addition to the proposals for a revision of the guidelines for transport and energy networks, the Commission has also proposed to adapt certain provisions of the Rules of Procedure with regard to financial aid for these networks.
In this context, the Commission has suggested the possibility of granting more financial aid, specifically up to 20% of the priority energy network projects. It is clear that increased aid will only be granted to projects that really need it and in which there is a clear prospect of accelerated development, effective implementation and added value for the Union as a whole.
In the case of the energy networks, this concentration of financial means is taking place with a limited, low, constant budget and therefore there should in theory be no concerns with regard to the impact on competition or on spending, because, I repeat, the volume and quantity remain the same.
Lastly, with regard to all the consequences of enlargement, I would like to ask you to be patient. A large number of projects of interest to the candidate countries already appear in this proposal. The Commission considers, however, that these countries need to undergo an initial period of increased competition in the energy market before implementing the priority axes. As far as possible, the Commission will present a proposal in this regard.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I have briefly summed up the Commission’s objectives in presenting this proposal and I eagerly await the debate on this matter."@en1
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