Preparation of European Energy Charter Conference
Working Group discussions took place in Brussels during 7-11 September 1992 in preparation for the October meeting of the European Energy Charter Conference. The Conference (Plenary session 15-16 October) is to focus on negotiations concerning the Basic Agreement providing the legal basis for Charter cooperation. Present discussions centred on issues such as investment protection, non-discrimination on national grounds, trade relations and the environment. Late September seminars in Moscow and Kiev will involve the signatory Eastern countries taking part in the negotiations. The Charter, adopted in December 1991, has been signed by 47 countries and by the European Community. Its aim is to trigger economic recovery in the former USSR and Eastern Europe by a joint effort to develop the region's energy resources, modernise its energy industries and expand energy trade. The success of this initiative will depend mainly on harnessing the resources of Western industry. The Basic Agreement is a comprehensive legal text which would provide industry with the legal safeguards it requires to invest and operate in Eastern countries in the energy field. The Commission's initial proposal concerning the European Energy Charter is set out in COM (91) 36 of 14.2.1991.