Energy co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region

Motion for a Resolution

Doc. 7862

1 July 1997 Doc. 7862

presented by Mr Gerhard Bartodziej, Mr Sören Lekberg and others

1.The Baltic Sea is a European inland sea whose bordering countries have a broad variety of geological, historical and economic background situations, including considerable differences amongst themselves as far as energy is concerned.

2.The Baltic Sea Region comprises Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia and Sweden.

3.All types of energy are present in the bordering countries, from coal to renewable, from hydro to nuclear, without mentioning oil and gas.

4.Energy use and efficiency, with its consequences on the environment and with its economic impact, are also largely divided amongst those countries, giving them different starting points for the next steps of their development.

5.The differences and the diversities mentioned above can be considerably absorbed thanks to the installation of transport and distribution grids for gas and for electricity, around and across the Baltic Sea.

6.Technological prospects in the energy field may also play a role in the integration process in the region and, thus, should be supported.

7.In this context, nuclear safety deserves special attention. Not only are there countries that have nuclear plants (Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Russia and Sweden) and others that do not, but amongst those having such plants, the differences in types and safety culture levels are quite significant.

8.The Assembly estimates that a well-functioning energy market inside the Baltic Sea Region will pull energy prices downwards in that region and push industry competitiveness upwards.

9.Such a market, supported by developing energy grids, in a region which can be considered as energy self-sufficient, will increase the security of supply to the whole of Europe, in particular after the coming into force of the Energy Charter Treaty.

10.Therefore, the Assembly calls on member governments and in particular those of the Baltic Sea Region states, as well as the European Union:

1. to work actively for closer political and economic co-operation and partnership in the field of energy in the Baltic Sea Region;
2. to increase and encourage investment in the infrastructure required by regional energy co-operation: gas and electricity grids, new technologies in electricity generation (for example wind farms) etc. ;
3. intensify R&D in the field of energy - improving energy efficiency and environmental standards, upgrading or replacement of old and inefficient equipment.

Signed: (1)

Bartodziej, Poland, EPP

Lekberg, Sweden, SOC

Birraux, France, EPP

Connolly, Ireland, LDR

Cunliffe, United Kingdom, SOC

Dees, Netherlands, LDR

Hoffmann, Germany, SOC

Newall, United Kingdom, EDG

Nistad, Norway, SOC

Raskinis, Lithuania, EPP

Speroni, Italy, LDR

J. Thompson, United Kingdom, SOC

Weyts, Belgium, EPP

Note: 1 SOC: Socialist Group

EPP: 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 any political group