Europe needs a common energy policy to confront the multiple challenges

5.57.06pm GMT Wed 10th Jan 2007

Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament support the aim of the Commission's strategic energy review and comprehensive action plan to address the multiple and linked challenges ahead for energy supply, environmental sustainability, research competitiveness and consistent foreign policy.

"It is essential to take a holistic view of energy as a strategic sector for our economic growth, our environmental sustainability and our credibility in the external relations field," said Graham Watson, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament. "The danger is that Member States will once more allow national sovereignty and economic nationalism to undermine the collective action that is needed. Their predecessors who had the courage and foresight to set up the European Coal and Steel Community in the 1950s would surely not miss this opportunity."

"The current pipeline wars between Russia and its neighbours is all the evidence we need to persuade us of the need to consume less and to seek a more diverse and secure supply of energy, whether from traditional sources like oil and gas or in exploring new, more innovative means through biomass and biofuels," added Watson.

Lena Ek (Centre Party, Sweden) and ALDE spokesperson on Parliament's industry, research and energy supports a more open access to the energy infrastructure which is the precondition for fair competition and a truly liberalised energy market.

"New entrants must be able to compete on a level playing field, accessing the same facilities, thus encouraging among others renewable energy companies to enter the energy market. With energy generation making up the vast bulk of our carbon emissions, it goes without saying that any coherent energy policy review must take account of the environmental concerns.

Europe needs to improve its market for electricity and gas in order to attract investment, to provide its citizens with affordable energy and to meet consumer rights to a transparent and affordable supply. We therefore support stricter rules on unbundling", says Lena Ek..

To avoid further comprehensive regulation and bureaucracy it is now up to the governments to show political will and decisive action. More cooperation and stricter application of competition rules are necessary to complete Europe's internal market in energy.

Anne Laperrouze (UDF, France) chairperson of the ALDE energy working group defended the need for a realistic and sensible energy mix that could meet the energy requirements of a growing economy whilst minimising our greenhouse gas emissions and calls for a better functioning of the market by notably giving the regulators stronger powers: "they indeed must be the watchdog of the good functioning of the market".

"It is also important to acknowledge the need to let go of national champions in favour of European energy companies that can draw on the continent's combined energy resources, source supplies from abroad more effectively and share spare capacity across the Union wherever and whenever needed."