FP5 could play a role in southern Europe's energy future
Speaking at a meeting of the leaders of member companies of the Mediterranean energy observatory on October 20, European Commissioner for Energy, transport and relations with the European Parliament, Loyola de Palacio claimed that the European Fifth Framework programme could have a key role to play in providing more efficient energy and helping to alleviate and possibly avoid further energy crises in Europe. In particular, she raised the question of whether greater participation of Mediterranean countries would help bring the technology transfer that could make for both a more rational use of energy and help in saving energy. Ms de Palacio also highlighted how the European Commission had established, through the MEDA programme, a means of providing financial support for projects - and how this is manifested in the energy sector through the institutionalisation of a permanent dialogue through the euro-Mediterranean energy forum. MEDA is also helping to finance a number of regional energy projects, she added.