Trans-European energy networks discussed in conciliation committee
On 27 March 1996, the Parliament and the Council, meeting in conciliation committee (15 Members of the European Parliament and one representative from each Member State), agreed on a joint project concerning the proposed Decision on the establishment of guidelines for a trans-European energy network. The Decision establishes general guidelines covering the objectives, priorities and main areas of Community action in the field of trans-European energy networks. It also identifies projects of common interest in this area. The committee agreed that, with regard to objectives, the Community should encourage interconnection, interoperability and the development of trans-European energy networks, as well as access to these networks, with the aim of: - Allowing the effective realization of the internal market in general and, in particular, the internal market in energy, whilst encouraging the production, distribution and rational use of energy resources, including the valorization of renewable energy resources, with a view to reducing the cost of energy for consumers and making the European economy more competitive; - Facilitating the development and integration of the less-developed regions of the Community, thus contributing to the reinforcement of economic and social cohesion; - Reinforcing the security of supply in energy, including through the development of relations with third countries. With regard to priorities for Community action, the Committee proposes: - For electricity networks: . The linking-up of isolated electricity networks with interconnected European networks; - The development of interconnections with third European countries and those of the Mediterranean Basin; - For gas networks: . The introduction of natural gas into new regions; - The linking-up of isolated gas networks with interconnected European networks; - The expansion of transport, loading and storage capacity and the diversification of sources and transport routes for natural gas. Finally, the committee project defines the main areas of Community action as being: - The identification of projects of common interest; - The establishment of a more favourable context for the development of these networks. The two institutions now have six weeks in which to confirm this joint project, following which the Decision will be formally adopted.