Council discusses trans-European energy networks, energy policy and THERMIE II
The Energy Council met in Brussels on 29 November 1994 to discuss trans-European energy networks, the Commission's Green Paper on energy policy, and the THERMIE II programme. In the area of trans-European energy networks, the Council is still awaiting the European Parliament's opinion on the subject. In the meantime, the Council discussed proposals for Decisions on the nature and extent of Community actions in trans-European energy networks, and on creating a more favourable environment for the development of trans-European energy networks. The Commission's forthcoming Green Paper on energy policy is now in the final stages of completion, and the Commission should be in a position to adopt the final text some time in December. The debate in the Council concentrated on the role of the energy market (improvement of competition), perspectives for the security of supply, the integration of energy and environment policies, and the role of the European Union. A debate was also held on the Commission's proposal for a THERMIE II programme for the promotion of European energy technologies. This portfolio is continuing to create problems since three Member States (United Kingdom, France and Germany) disagree with the allocation of ECU 30 million to the programme. The money is aimed at supporting dissemination activities within demonstration and industrial application projects in the field of new energy technologies. Other topics discussed by the Council included: - Internal market in electricity; - Examination of Community law in the field of energy; - European Energy Charter.