Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2006-01-17-Speech-2-155"
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"en.20060117.19.2-155"2
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".
Mr President, the recent gas supply crisis is a wake-up call for the European Union. The PPE-DE Group welcomes the fact that the security of energy supply and sustainability of energy production and consumption are one of the Austrian Presidency’s priorities. It is high time, since energy security is becoming increasingly important for the overall security of the European Union, and especially its economic security.
Any difficulty, even temporary, that has the effect of reducing supplies of energy from third states also causes serious disturbances in the economic activity of the Union. We were recently made aware of how the problem of energy security does not solely concern the areas of industry or economics. Energy has been used as a weapon and foreign policy instrument, and hence should be discussed in the context of foreign and security policy.
The recent energy crisis between Russia and Ukraine has exposed the vulnerability of many Member States of the European Union that are to a dangerous extent dependent on one supplier. It is absolutely essential, therefore, for the EU to extend joint action to the energy field and take steps to create a proactive energy policy.
It is clear that all the efforts taken at national level are not sufficient as they do not guarantee the long-term interests of the Union as a whole. Action at EU level is therefore clearly justified, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity. Moreover, if we treat the idea of a common market seriously, we should endow economic operators, not to mention citizens, with equality in energy security and supply.
In this light we assess very positively the Presidency’s plans to finalise the decision on the trans-European energy network early this year. We should, however, move beyond that. One of the main principles of European integration – that of solidarity – encompasses the obligation to assist all those States that are in danger or in difficulty, and that includes problems relating to energy supply shortages. The Union should take concrete steps towards the diversification of energy sources and supply and the sharing of reserves. All potential avenues for enhancing the Union’s energy self-sufficiency should be explored.
Nor should we forget the principles of transparency and equal access. The EU should propose a code of conduct on relations with its main energy suppliers. We should make all the necessary efforts to establish new sources of financing for all the undertakings aimed at increasing the EU’s energy security, both from the EIB and from the EU budget itself.
We should not just think about ourselves. Energy security should constitute one of the cornerstones of the Neighbourhood Policy. Reality calls for courage. Close cooperation in the energy field and the possibility of sharing energy reserves constitute one of the most effective and indispensable confidence-building measures both within the Union and between the Union and its neighbourhood.
Our citizens will appreciate the tangible results of our actions to secure energy supplies. The PPE-DE Group will be tabling a resolution on this for the next part-session in Brussels."@en1
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"Jacek Emil Saryusz-Wolski,"1
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