SYNERGY programme extended for 1997
The Council of the European Union has adopted a Regulation which will extend the SYNERGY programme for international cooperation in the field of energy until the end of 1997. The Council has decided to extend the programme for one year only, despite the Commission's original proposal for a programme to run until 2000. This decision was taken in light of the Commission's proposal, put forward since the original proposal for the extension of the SYNERGY programme, to introduce greater coordination in energy programmes and possibly an Energy Framework Programme. The Commission should present a communication on this during 1997. This will, in particular, aim at improving transparency and coordination of the existing elements in separate programmes. Under the current Regulation, SYNERGY will have a budget of ECU 7 million for the twelve months of 1997. The programme lays down the following objectives of Community support for international cooperation in the energy field: overall competitiveness, security of supply, and environmental protection. It also sets out priorities for different geographical regions. In particular, in support of EU enlargement to Central and Eastern European countries.