Doc. 9946

30 September 2003

Europe’s growing energy vulnerability

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mr Berceanu and others

1.       The current tension in the Middle East, especially in Iraq, as well as in Venezuela, has led to an upward pressure in Europe on oil prices and to a resulting strain on energy markets in general. It shows Europe’s considerable, and growing, vulnerability as regards the security and cost of its energy provision.

2.       Europe’s efforts to diversify its energy supply across the whole range of energy sources are to be commended. This also holds for the continent’s progress toward a better energy sharing among countries under the European Energy Charter, the development of Caspian Sea oil and gas resources and their transportation to European markets, and the European Union’s ambition to liberalise its energy markets for industry by 2005 and for individual consumers by 2007.

3.       However, in addition to the above, Europe urgently needs to examine its medium and long-term energy supply prospects and identify appropriate policy options – also taking into account geopolitical developments including European Union enlargement, the potential for greater energy use efficiency; potential research breakthroughs as regards new energy sources; and environmental factors, including the risk of global warming associated with the increased consumption of fossil fuel.

Signed ¹:

Berceanu, Romania, SOC

Azzolini, Italy, EPP/CD

Duka-Zólyomi, Slovakia, EPP/CD

Kelemen, Romania, EPP/CD

Mintas-Hodak, Croatia, EPP/CD

Paoletti Tangheroni, Italy, EPP/CD

Severin, Romania, SOC

Škrabalo, Croatia, LDR

Tabajdi, Hungary, SOC

Tudose, Romania, SOC

Zwerver, Netherlands, SOC

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group