Adoption of SAVE II programme for the promotion of energy efficiency in the European Community
The SAVE II multiannual programme for the promotion of energy efficiency in the European Community was adopted by the Council of the European Union on 16 December 1996. The programme, which covers the period from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000, will dispose of an initial budget of ECU 45 million (to be reviewed at the end of 1997). The general overall objectives of the SAVE II programme are to stimulate energy efficiency measures and increased levels of investment for energy saving, and to contribute to improving the energy intensity of final demand by a further percentage point per annum over that which would otherwise have been attained. Under the programme, the following categories of actions and measures on energy efficiency policy shall be financed: - Studies and other actions leading to the implementation and completion of Community measures taken to improve energy efficiency, studies concerning the effects of energy pricing on energy efficiency, and studies aimed at establishing energy efficiency as a criterion within Community programmes; - Sectoral targeted pilot actions aimed at accelerating energy efficiency investment and/or improving energy use patterns; - Measures aimed at fostering the exchange of experience and promoting better coordination between Community, international, national, regional and local activities; - Monitoring of energy efficiency progress in the Community and in individual Member States and ongoing evaluation and monitoring of the actions and measures undertaken within the framework the programme; - Specific actions in favour of energy management at the regional and urban level and in favour of greater cohesion between Member States and regions in the field of energy efficiency. The Commission will be assisted in the implementation of the programme by an advisory committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of the Commission. The programme will be open to the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe in accordance with the conditions, set out in the additional protocols to the Association Agreements, concerning participation in Community programmes. It shall also be open to the participation of Cyprus and Malta.