COUNCIL OF
THE EUROPEAN UNION
Brussels, 9 March 2007
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CONCL 1
COVER NOTE
from
to
Subject
Presidency
Delegations
BRUSSELS EUROPEAN COUNCIL
89 MARCH 2007
PRESIDENCY CONCLUSIONS
Delegations will find attached the Presidency Conclusions of the Brussels European Council
89 March 2007. ________________________
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Presidency Conclusions Brussels, 89 March 2007
The meeting was preceded by an exposé given by the new President of the European Parliament,
Mr Hans-Gert Pöttering, followed by an exchange of views. o
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Europe succeeding together
Europe is currently enjoying an economic upswing and reforms are starting to translate into growth
and jobs. These positive developments should be used to step up the pace to modernise Europe and
its economy, thus helping the EU to achieve higher levels of prosperity, further job creation and
greater social cohesion. The Union is determined to shape both its internal and external policy in
accordance with its values in a globalised world to the benefit of the Unions citizens. Building on the significant progress in implementing the aims of the renewed Lisbon Strategy for
Growth and Jobs to date and in order to face the most pressing challenges, the European Council
calls on Member States and EU institutions to pursue actions to
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strengthen the internal market and competitiveness, create better framework conditions for
innovation and greater investment in research and development, boost quality employment
and improve social cohesion,
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enhance the better regulation agenda to create a more dynamic business environment,
develop a sustainable integrated European climate and energy policy. 722407
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Presidency Conclusions Brussels, 89 March 2007
I. Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs
1. The renewed Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs is beginning to deliver results. It is
contributing to the favourable overall economic upturn, as exemplified by the present
economic forecasts an expected growth rate of 2,7 in 2007 and expected positive
developments on the labour markets with seven million new jobs created during the
20072008 period, leading to a potential increase in the employment rate from just under 64
in 2005 to nearly 66 by 2008 and a falling unemployment rate. The positive developments
in the economic, employment and social sectors are mutually reinforcing.
2. A promising start has been made in the implementation of Member States National Reform
programmes and of the Community Lisbon Programme presented in autumn 2005. As
highlighted in the Commissions 2007 annual progress report, Member States are making real
efforts to push reforms forward, although the performance varies by Member State and policy
areas covered. Cohesion policy also contributes to achieving the Lisbon goals. 3. Member States are determined to take full advantage of the improving overall economic
situation to strengthen the momentum for reforms and thus to further improve Europes global
competitive position. In order to invigorate these efforts the European Council endorses
country-specific recommendations for economic and employment policies for the Member
States and the Euro Area, whose Member States should ensure an effective policy
coordination. To enable the next three year cycle of the renewed Lisbon Strategy to be
prepared, the European Council invites the Commission to present an interim report in
Autumn 2007 with a view to its proposal for the Integrated Guidelines for Growth and Jobs
2008-2011. Furthermore, the European Council invites Member States to present on time
their national reports on the implementation of the National Reform Programmes. 722407
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Presidency Conclusions Brussels, 89 March 2007
4. The European Council emphasises the significance of exchanging best practices in the context
of multilateral surveillance and calls for increased cooperation between Lisbon coordinators. It confirms the importance of a stronger sense of ownership by civil society, social partners,
regions and local authorities, which are all key elements in the achievement of the objectives
of the Strategy. In this context further efforts should be made in order to improve
communication. The European Council underlines the conclusion of the Tripartite Social
Summit of 8 March 2007 regarding the key role of social partners and the necessity of their
ongoing and active contribution towards the Lisbon objectives. Growth- and stability-oriented financial and economic policy
5. Sound, well-balanced fiscal policies attaining in particular Member States medium-term
budgetary objectives and further structural reforms are necessary to ensure the long-term
success of the European Economic and Monetary Union and Europes economy as a whole. 6. Member States will continue their efforts to pursue structural reforms and to further
consolidate their public budgets in accordance with the revised Stability and Growth Pact. The long-term sustainability of public finances should be safeguarded by further reforming
pension and health care systems, reducing public debt and raising both employment rates and
productivity. The quality of public finances needs to be improved by raising efficiency and
effectiveness of spending, by restructuring public expenditure in support of measures that
promote productivity and innovation and by strengthening human capital with a view to
raising the long-term growth potential of the economy. 722407
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Presidency Conclusions Brussels, 89 March 2007
Strengthening the Internal Market and Europes competitiveness
7. A well functioning Internal Market remains at the heart of the Lisbon Agenda for Growth and
Jobs. Given the challenges and opportunities of globalisation, the European Council stresses
the importance of further improving the functioning of the Internal Market in order to react to
new economic realities. The European Council recalls the importance of further strengthening
consumer and business confidence in the Internal Market. The European Council takes note of
the vision of the single market set out by the Commission in its interim report and invites the
Commission to submit an ambitious and comprehensive review of the Single Market as early
as possible in the second half of 2007. It asks the Council to proceed with its examination
without delay. Particular attention should be given to stimulating the potential of SMEs,
including in the cultural and creative sectors, in view of their role as drivers of growth, job
creation and innovation.
8. Strengthening the four freedoms of the Internal Market will reinforce the European Unions
international competitiveness. The European Council underlines the importance of the
Commissions initiative to give fresh impetus to the internal market for goods by
strengthening mutual recognition and by improving its functioning in the harmonised area,
while guaranteeing a high level of safety and consumer protection. It asks the Council to
decide swiftly on the proposed measures. The recently adopted Services Directive is a key
tool for unlocking the full potential of the European services sector. High priority should be
placed on the complete, coherent and timely transposition of its provisions in a consistent
manner. The European Council stresses that a fully functioning and interconnected internal
market for gas and electricity, further integration of the European financial markets, in
particular by removing obstacles to the creation of a Single Payment Area, as well as further
liberalisation of the postal markets, while ensuring the financing of an efficient universal
service, will be important steps to achieve this objective. Every effort should be made to
successfully conclude the legislative process on the reduction of roaming tariffs by the end of
the first half of 2007. 722407
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Presidency Conclusions Brussels, 89 March 2007
9. Clear and consistent EU rules are a prerequisite for a well functioning Internal Market as are
timely, correct and high-quality transposition of Community legislation and effective
application and enforcement of common rules. Member States have achieved important
progress towards the 1,5 transposition deficit target the European Council urges them to
pursue efforts to further reduce this deficit progressively to 1 by 2009 at the latest, while
stressing the importance of agreeing appropriate transposition deadlines.
10. The European Council considers that maintaining and strengthening the multilateral trade
system based on the WTO is of paramount importance for the growth and employment
prospects of the European economy as well as for development. It stresses the need for an
ambitious, balanced and comprehensive agreement on the Doha Development Agenda and
calls on key partners to act in the same spirit of constructive commitment in order to bring the
negotiations to a successful close. At the same time, building on the platform of the WTO,
bilateral and regional Free Trade Agreements with relevant partners should be taken forward
rapidly. 11. In view of the US-EU summit in April 2007 the European Council underlines the importance
of transatlantic economic relations, which should be strengthened through a New
Transatlantic Economic Partnership, enhancing the commitment to the economic initiative
launched at the 2005 summit. This will focus on improving regulatory convergence in various
areas, coordination of efforts to protect intellectual property rights and deepening cooperation
in the field of energy and environment with a view to increasing the international
competitiveness of the EU and the USA. 12. Further afield, the European Council underlines the importance of improving effective market
access for European enterprises to fast-growing emerging markets in particular. Protection of
intellectual property rights and the fight against counterfeiting and product piracy must be
stepped up internationally. The Commission is invited to take appropriate initiatives to
develop and disseminate European standards more speedily, so as to address the demands of
rapidly evolving, innovative and knowledge-driven markets. It is also invited to examine,
together with Member States, how multilateral discipline in relation to state aids can be
strengthened and further developed within the context of external competitiveness. 722407
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Presidency Conclusions Brussels, 89 March 2007
Strengthening innovation, research and education
13. Member States are determined to improve the framework conditions for innovation such as
competitive markets and to mobilise additional resources for research, development and
innovation activities. The European Council reiterates the importance of spending 3 of GDP
on research and development by 2010. It stresses the need to optimise synergy among
Community programmes, to improve the transformation of research findings into innovative
products and services and to ensure appropriate knowledge sharing between all partners. It
also invites the Commission to present recommendations for guidelines for cooperation and
technology transfer between public research and industry and, as a matter of priority, to put
forward its intellectual property rights IPR and patent strategies. 14. The European Council invites the Commission and the Member States to push forward the
implementation of the innovation policy strategy. Investment in future technologies is an
essential contribution to ensure Europes competitiveness in lead markets. In this context, the
Commission is invited to present proposals for Joint Technology Initiatives in selected sectors
of strategic importance. It is also invited to present proposals for initiatives based on
Article 169 in order to provide Community participation in RTD programmes Research and
Technological Development undertaken by several Member States with a view in both cases
to launching the most advanced ones in 2007. The European Council underlines the vital
importance of excellent human resources and the fostering of brain circulation. It stresses
the important role that the newly founded European Research Council has to play in this
respect. 15. Education and training are prerequisites for a well-functioning knowledge triangle
education - research - innovation and play a key role in boosting growth and jobs. Good
progress has been made in implementing the Education and Training 2010 work programme
over the last 12 months. Member States are determined to pursue reforms and to fully
implement the work programme, in particular by modernising higher education, ensuring high
quality and attractive vocational education and training and implementing national lifelong
learning strategies. 722407
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Presidency Conclusions Brussels, 89 March 2007
16. The European Council asks the Council and the European Parliament to conclude the
thorough examination of the Commission proposal on a European Institute of Technology in
the first semester of 2007 with a view to taking a decision before the end of this year.
17. Environmental technologies and eco-innovation contribute to achieving the aims of the
Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs, including combating climate change. Member States
are determined to promote eco-innovations through an ambitious approach, taking full
advantage of lead markets in areas such as sustainable and safe low carbon technologies,
renewable energies and energy and resource efficiency. The European Council invites the
Commission to present proposals for achieving an integrated strategy for the promotion of
eco-innovation early in 2008.
Boosting employment, modernising and reinforcing the European Social Model
18. In view of the positive developments on Member States labour markets, the European
Council stresses the importance of good work and its underlying principles, i.e. workers
rights and participation, equal opportunities, safety and health protection at work and a
family-friendly organisation of work. The European Council looks forward to the discussion
on the Commission communication on flexicurity, which should be instrumental in preparing
a range of flexicurity pathways to find the right mix of policies tailored to labour market
needs including increased labour-market participation. A reinforced lifecycle approach to
work is also necessary to improve access to the labour market as well as to promote a longer
working life and professional mobility over the lifecycle. 722407
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Presidency Conclusions Brussels, 89 March 2007
19. The European Council reaffirms the need to strengthen economic and social cohesion
throughout the Union and underlines the key role of social partners. The European Council
highlights the importance of the social dimension of the EU. In this context it recalls the
social provisions of the Treaty, in particular its attachment to the promotion of employment
and improved living and working conditions, so as to make possible their harmonisation while
the improvement is being maintained. In order to ensure the continuing support for European
integration by the Unions citizens, it stresses that the common social objectives of Member
States should be better taken into account within the Lisbon agenda. In this context the
European Council welcomes the Joint Employment Report and the Joint Report on Social
Protection and Social Inclusion. In order to strengthen social cohesion, the European Council
stresses the need to fight poverty and social exclusion, especially child poverty, and to give all
children equal opportunities. More attention should be given to active inclusion, i.e. ensuring
adequate levels of minimum resources for all, balanced with making work pay. The
Commissions social reality stocktaking report should provide further input for discussions on
social issues.
20. Demographic change confronts Member States with a complex set of interrelated challenges. The establishment of an Alliance for Families will serve as a platform for the exchange of
views and knowledge on family-friendly policies as well as of good practices between
Member States. Member States will continue to further develop policies which promote equal
opportunities between men and women, as well as the role of young people, including their
transition from school to working life, older people and low-skilled people as active
participants in the economy and the labour market, aiming at using their full potential to
contribute to the economic and social development of our societies. 722407
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Presidency Conclusions Brussels, 89 March 2007
II. Better Regulation
21. Better Regulation remains an important instrument contributing to the policy for
strengthening competitiveness and supporting sustainable growth and employment. The
European Council stresses that 2006 has seen good progress towards improving the regulatory
environment and welcomes the Commissions Action Programme for Reducing
Administrative Burdens in the EU. It underlines that further efforts are required in order to
consolidate and build on achievements so far. 22. The European Council invites the Commission to regularly update its simplification
programme. It stresses the importance of achieving concrete results in this field whilst not
compromising the political aims of regulation and respecting the acquis communautaire, and
asks the Council to pay particular attention to simplification proposals which it considers to
be priorities. 23. Substantial progress has been achieved in the area of better legislation. The evaluation of the
Commissions impact assessment system will help identify further improvements, including
through the enhanced consideration of aspects relevant for external competitiveness as part of
the economic impact pillar. With a view to further improving the quality of the impact
assessment system, the European Council sees the establishment of an Impact Assessment
Board by the Commission as an important step. The European Council stresses the need for
the Council and the European Parliament to make greater use of impact assessments. In
spring 2008, the European Council will consider on the basis of a review by the Commission
whether further action is needed, taking into account different options, including a group of
independent experts to advise the institutions on their work towards Better Regulation.
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Presidency Conclusions Brussels, 89 March 2007
24. The European Council underlines that reducing administrative burdens is an important
measure for boosting Europes economy, especially through its impact on SMEs. A strong
joint effort significantly to reduce administrative burdens within the EU is necessary. The
European Council therefore agrees that administrative burdens arising from EU legislation
should be reduced by 25 by 2012. Taking into account the different starting points and
traditions the European Council invites Member States to set their own national targets of
comparable ambition within their spheres of competence by 2008. 25. The European Council accordingly invites the Commission to launch the Action Programme
for Reducing Administrative Burdens with the assistance of the Member States, agrees that
the measurement of administrative costs of Community legislation should begin in the priority
areas proposed by the Commission, and calls on the Council and the European Parliament to
give special priority to the measures for immediate action set out in the action programme,
once the Commission has made the corresponding proposals, with a view to their adoption as
soon as possible in 2007. It supports the intention of the Commission to set up, as a pilot
project, an independent expert committee to assist the Commission and Member States with
the implementation of the Action Plan on the Reduction of Administrative Burden. 26. The European Council asks the Council to review progress on all aspects of Better Regulation
on a yearly basis. III.
An integrated climate and energy policy
27. The challenges of climate change need to be tackled effectively and urgently. Recent studies
on this subject have contributed to a growing awareness and knowledge of the long-term
consequences, including the consequences for global economic development, and have
stressed the need for decisive and immediate action. The European Council underlines the
vital importance of achieving the strategic objective of limiting the global average
temperature increase to not more than 2 C above pre-industrial levels. 722407
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28. Given that energy production and use are the main sources for greenhouse gas emissions, an
integrated approach to climate and energy policy is needed to realise this objective.
Integration should be achieved in a mutually supportive way. With this in mind, the Energy
Policy for Europe EPE will pursue the following three objectives, fully respecting Member
States choice of energy mix and sovereignty over primary energy sources and underpinned by
a spirit of solidarity amongst Member States
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increasing security of supply
ensuring the competitiveness of European economies and the availability of affordable
energy
promoting environmental sustainability and combating climate change. Climate protection
29. The European Council underlines the leading role of the EU in international climate
protection. It stresses that international collective action will be critical in driving an effective,
efficient and equitable response on the scale required to face climate change challenges. To
this end negotiations on a global and comprehensive post-2012 agreement, which should build
upon and broaden the Kyoto Protocol architecture and provide a fair and flexible framework
for the widest possible participation, need to be launched at the UN international climate
conference beginning at the end of 2007 and completed by 2009. In this connection, the
European Council endorses the elements identified by the Council Environment of
20 February 2007 as essential parts of an effective and appropriate framework beyond 2012,
which would include inter alia the development of a shared vision to reach the ultimate
objective of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the strengthening and
extension of global carbon markets, the development, deployment and transfer of the
necessary technology to reduce emissions, appropriate adaptation measures to deal with the
effects of climate change, action on deforestation and addressing emissions from international
aviation and maritime transportation. All countries should be invited to contribute to the
efforts under this framework according to their differentiated responsibilities and respective
capabilities. 722407
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Presidency Conclusions Brussels, 89 March 2007
30. The European Council reaffirms that absolute emission reduction commitments are the
backbone of a global carbon market. Developed countries should continue to take the lead by
committing to collectively reducing their emissions of greenhouse gases in the order of 30
by 2020 compared to 1990. They should do so also with a view to collectively reducing their
emissions by 60 to 80 by 2050 compared to 1990. 31. In this context, the European Council endorses an EU objective of a 30 reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 compared to 1990 as its contribution to a global and
comprehensive agreement for the period beyond 2012, provided that other developed
countries commit themselves to comparable emission reductions and economically more
advanced developing countries to contributing adequately according to their responsibilities
and respective capabilities. It invites these countries to come forward with proposals for their
contributions to the post-2012 agreement. 32. The European Council emphasises that the EU is committed to transforming Europe into a
highly energy-efficient and low greenhouse-gas-emitting economy and decides that, until a
global and comprehensive post-2012 agreement is concluded, and without prejudice to its
position in international negotiations, the EU makes a firm independent commitment to
achieve at least a 20 reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 compared to 1990. 33. The European Council decides that a differentiated approach to the contributions of the
Member States is needed reflecting fairness and transparency as well as taking into account
national circumstances and the relevant base years for the first commitment period of the
Kyoto Protocol. It recognises that the implementation of these targets will be based on
Community policies and on an agreed internal burden-sharing and invites the Commission, in
close cooperation with the Member States, immediately to start a technical analysis of criteria,
including socio-economic parameters and other relevant and comparable parameters, to form
the basis for further in-depth discussion. Given the great importance of the energy intensive
sector, the European Council emphasises that cost-efficient measures are needed to improve
both the competitiveness and the environmental impact of such European industries.
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34. The European Council notes the increasing share of greenhouse gas emissions from
developing countries and the need for these countries to address the increase in these
emissions by reducing the emission intensity of their economic development, in line with the
general principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The European Council stands ready to continue and further strengthen its support for
developing countries in lessening their vulnerability and adapting to climate change. 35. Given the central role of emission trading in the EUs long-term strategy for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, the European Council invites the Commission to review the EU
Emissions Trading Scheme in good time with a view to increasing transparency and
strengthening and broadening the scope of the scheme and to consider, as part of the EU ETS
review, a possible extension of its scope to land use, land-use change and forestry and surface
transport. The European Council stresses the necessity of an efficient, safe and sustainable European
transport policy. In this context, it is important to proceed with actions to increase the
environmental performance of the European transport system. The European Council notes
the European Commissions ongoing work regarding the assessment of external costs for
transport and their internalisation. Energy Policy
36. Global warming, together with the need to ensure security of supply and enhance business
competitiveness, make it ever more vital and pressing for the EU to put in place an integrated
policy on energy combining action at the European and the Member States level. As a
milestone in the creation of an Energy Policy for Europe EPE and a spring board for further
action, the European Council adopts a comprehensive energy Action Plan for the period
2007-2009 Annex I, based on the Commissions Communication An Energy Policy for
Europe. The European Council notes that Member States choice of energy mix may have
effects on the energy situation in other Member States and on the Unions ability to achieve
the three objectives of the EPE. 722407
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37. The Action Plan sets out the way in which significant progress in the efficient operation and
completion of the EUs internal market for gas and electricity and a more interconnected and
integrated market can be achieved. It envisages the nomination of EU coordinators for four
priority projects of European interest. It also addresses the crucial issue of security of energy
supply and the response to potential crises. As regards security of supply the European
Council stresses the importance of making full use of the instruments available to improve the
EUs bilateral cooperation with all suppliers and ensure reliable energy flows into the Union. It develops clear orientations for an effective European international energy policy speaking
with a common voice. It fixes highly ambitious quantified targets on energy efficiency,
renewable energies and the use of biofuels and calls for a European Strategic Energy
Technology plan, including environmentally safe Carbon Capture and Sequestration, to be
examined at the Spring 2008 European Council meeting. 38. The European Council calls on all parties concerned to press ahead rapidly and with
determination in order to implement all of the elements contained in the Action Plan in line
with its provisions and conditions. In particular, it invites the Commission to submit the
proposals requested in the Action Plan as speedily as possible. Follow-up
39. In the light of the integrated approach to climate and energy policy the Energy Action Plan
will be kept under regular review within the context of an annual examination by the
European Council of the progress made and results achieved in implementing the EUs energy
and climate change policies. The Commission is invited to put forward an updated Strategic
Energy Review in early 2009, which will serve as the basis for the new Energy Action Plan
from 2010 onwards to be adopted by the Spring 2010 European Council. 722407
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IV.
International relations
40. The European Council reaffirms the strategic importance of the EU-Africa Summit to be held
in the second half of 2007. It expresses its gratitude to the incoming Portuguese Presidency
for its readiness to host this Summit in Lisbon in December 2007. 41. The European Council welcomed the fact that an agreement has been reached in Mecca on
8 February on the formation of a Palestinian national unity government. It expresses its
appreciation for the role of Saudi Arabia and Arab leaders in bringing about Palestinian
reconciliation. The EU stands ready to work with a legitimate Palestinian government that
adopts a platform reflecting the Quartet principles. It encourages the Quartet to continue its
active contribution to the Middle East Peace Process. 42. The European Council recalls its determination to reinforce Lebanons sovereignty, territorial
integrity and independence. It reaffirms its call for the full and speedy implementation of
resolution 1701 and all other relevant resolutions of the Security Council. It reaffirms its
commitment to the establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in accordance with
resolution 1664 of the Security Council, and urges all members of the international
community to lend their support. It commends all constructive international mediation efforts,
in particular those of the SG of the Arab League and Saudi Arabia, aiming at a solution to the
current political crisis in the country.
It underlines the necessity of implementing the
commitments entered into at the Paris III international conference. ________________________
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ANNEX I
EUROPEAN COUNCIL ACTION PLAN 2007 2009
ENERGY POLICY FOR EUROPE EPE
The Action Plan comprises the following priority actions, some of which may contribute to more
than one of the three objectives of the EPE. New measures should take into account the better
regulation principles, notably as regards impact assessments. I. Internal Market for Gas and Electricity
1. Taking note of the Commissions internal market report and the final report following the
sector inquiry on the gas and electricity markets, with the aim of increasing competition,
ensuring effective regulation and encouraging investment to benefit consumers, the European
Council
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reaffirms that to achieve this aim the first step, to which it is committed, is to ensure
timely and full implementation of the letter and spirit of existing Internal Market
legislation relating to the opening up of the gas and electricity markets, since a truly
competitive, interconnected and single Europe-wide internal energy market that will
have major benefits for competitiveness and EU consumers as well as increasing
security of supply has not yet been achieved
notes the interaction between investment decisions and the development of the
regulatory framework, and is therefore of the opinion that future measures affecting the
internal market have to be designed and implemented in a way that provides a positive
framework for much-needed investment
taking account of the characteristics of the gas and electricity sectors and of national and
regional markets, agrees on the need for
effective separation of supply and production activities from network operations
unbundling, based on independently run and adequately regulated network
operation systems which guarantee equal and open access to transport
infrastructures and independence of decisions on investment in infrastructure
further harmonisation of the powers and strengthening of the independence of
national energy regulators
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the establishment of an independent mechanism for national regulators to
cooperate and take decisions on important cross-border issues
the creation of a new Community mechanism for Transmission System Operators
to improve coordination of network operation and grid security building on
existing cooperation practices
a more efficient and integrated system for cross-border electricity trade and grid
operation, including elaboration of technical standards
the enhancement of competition and security of supply through facilitated
integration of new power plants into the electricity grid in all Member States, in
particular encouraging new market entrants
relevant investment signals contributing to the efficient and more secure operation
of the transmission grid
increased transparency in energy market operations
better consumer protection, e.g. through the development of an Energy Customers
Charter. Moreover, the European Council invites the Commission
to provide additional clarifications related to the key measures envisaged and their
impacts in time for the June Council Energy
to elaborate together with Member States the medium- and long-term forecasts for
gas and electricity supply and demand, and to identify the additional investment
required to satisfy EU strategic needs
to assess the impact of vertically integrated energy companies from third countries
on the internal market and how to implement the principle of reciprocity
to assess access to gas storage in the EU. The European Council invites the Commission to come forward with relevant proposals,
including through the development of existing legislation where possible. 2. Reaffirming the need for improved regional cross-border exchange and accelerating the
development of regional energy cooperation while addressing the challenges of peripheral
energy markets and facilitating the integration of regional ones into the EU internal market
and its further development, notably through interconnection, taking into account the
integration of on- and off-shore renewable energies, the European Council
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welcomes, as a first step, the Commissions intention to appoint where necessary, in
accordance with Article 10 of Decision 13642006EC, European coordinators to
accelerate the most critical priority projects of European interest 1 it notes, however,
that new projects are needed in order to achieve adequate interconnection in particular
of isolated energy markets and asks the Member States concerned to achieve at least
10 of electricity and gas interconnection capacity by 2010. To this end, Member
States concerned should reinforce their bilateral cooperation, for instance by elaborating
appropriate guidelines
invites the Commission to table proposals aiming at streamlining approval procedures. II.
Security of Supply
3. In order to contribute to security of supply in a spirit of solidarity between Member States,
notably in the event of an energy supply crisis, the European Council
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underlines the need to enhance security of supply for the EU as a whole as well as for
each Member State through
effective diversification of energy sources and transport routes, which will also
contribute to a more competitive internal energy market
developing more effective crisis response mechanisms, on the basis of mutual co-
operation and building notably on existing mechanisms, considering a wide range
of options after careful assessment of existing means, taking into account the
primary responsibility of Member States regarding their domestic demand, and
making appropriate use of the warning capacity provided by the network of
energy security correspondents
improving oil data transparency and reviewing EU oil supply infrastructures and
oil stocks mechanisms, complementary to the IEA crisis mechanism, especially
with respect to availability in the event of a crisis
a thorough analysis of the availability and costs of gas storage facilities in the EU
an assessment of the impact of current and potential energy imports and the
conditions of related networks on each Member States security of supply
establishing an Energy Observatory within the Commission. 1
Priority projects of European interest are listed in Decision 13642006EC of the EP and of
the Council. Regarding coordinators and without prejudice to further appointments, the
Council notes that in its Communication, the Commission envisages the following projects
the Power-Link between Germany, Poland and Lithuania connections to offshore wind power
in Northern Europe electricity interconnections between France and Spain and the Nabucco
pipeline, bringing gas from the Caspian to central Europe. 722407
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III. International Energy Policy
4. The development of a common approach to external energy policy has to be speeded up,
involving consumer-to-producer as well as consumer-to-consumer and consumer-to-transit
countries, dialogues and partnerships including through organisations such as OPEC. To that
effect, the European Council emphasises the following as essential elements when further
developing the common voice of the EU in support of the three energy policy objectives
negotiating and finalising a post-partnership and cooperation agreement with Russia in
particular relating to energy issues 1
intensifying the EU relationship with Central Asia, the Caspian and the Black Sea
regions, with a view to further diversifying sources and routes
strengthening partnership and cooperation building on the bilateral energy dialogues
with the USA as well as with China, India, Brazil and other emerging economies,
focusing on the reduction of GHG, energy efficiency, renewables and low-emission
energy technologies, notably CCS
ensuring the implementation of the Energy Community Treaty, with a view to its further
development and possible extension to Norway, Turkey, Ukraine and Moldova
making full use of the instruments available under the European Neighbourhood Policy
enhancing energy relationships with Algeria, Egypt and other producing countries in the
MashreqMaghreb region 2
building a special dialogue with African countries on energy and using Community
instruments to enhance in particular decentralised renewable energies and generally
energy accessibility and sustainability in this region, as well as energy infrastructure of
common interest
promoting access to energy in the context of the UN-CSD.
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This formulation is without prejudice to on-going discussions on the negotiating mandate for
the post-PCA agreement. Bearing in mind the GAERC conclusions of 22 January 2007 doc. 546307. 722407
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IV. Energy efficiency and renewable energies
5. The European Council is aware of the growing demand for energy and increasing energy
prices as well as of the benefits of strong and early common international action on climate
change, is confident that a substantive development of energy efficiency and of renewable
energies will enhance energy security, curb the projected rise in energy prices and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions in line with the EUs ambitions for the period beyond 2012, and
underlines that the energy savings objective and targets for renewables and biofuels referred
to below should be achieved with a view to sharing efforts and benefits fairly and equitably
among all Member States, taking into account different national circumstances, starting points
and potentials. 6. In that light, the European Council
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stresses the need to increase energy efficiency in the EU so as to achieve the objective
of saving 20 of the EUs energy consumption compared to projections for 2020, as
estimated by the Commission in its Green Paper on Energy Efficiency, and to make
good use of their National Energy Efficiency Action Plans for this purpose
calls for a thorough and rapid implementation of the ambitious five main priorities as
highlighted in the Council conclusions of 23 November 2006 1 on the Commissions
Action Plan on Energy Efficiency, relating to energy-efficient transport, dynamic
minimum efficiency requirements for energy-using equipment, energy-efficient and
energy-saving behaviour of energy consumers, energy technology and innovations and
the energy savings from buildings
invites the Commission to rapidly submit proposals to enable increased energy
efficiency requirements on office and street lighting to be adopted by 2008 and on
incandescent lamps and other forms of lighting in private households by 2009
welcomes the Commissions intention to put forward in 2007 a proposal for a new
international agreement on energy efficiency in order to develop common global efforts
towards promoting energy efficiency, bearing in mind that such an agreement should be
complementary to EU energy efficiency policy
supports the use of international negotiations to encourage sustainable methods of
production and to promote international trade in environmental and energy-efficient
goods and services
calls for an early review of the Community guidelines on State aid for environmental
protection and other relevant Community instruments which can provide incentives,
with the aim of making them more supportive of the Communitys energy and climate
change objectives. 1
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Presidency Conclusions Brussels, 89 March 2007
7. The European Council reaffirms the Communitys long-term commitment to the EU-wide
development of renewable energies beyond 2010, underlines that all types of renewable
energies, when used in a cost-efficient way, contribute simultaneously to security of supply,
competitiveness and sustainability, and is convinced of the paramount importance of giving a
clear signal to industry, investors, innovators and researchers. For these reasons, taking into
consideration different individual circumstances, starting points and potentials, it endorses the
following targets
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a binding target of a 20 share of renewable energies in overall EU energy
consumption by 2020
a 10 binding minimum target to be achieved by all Member States for the share of
biofuels in overall EU transport petrol and diesel consumption by 2020, to be introduced
in a cost-efficient way. The binding character of this target is appropriate subject to
production being sustainable, second-generation biofuels becoming commercially
available and the Fuel Quality Directive being amended accordingly to allow for
adequate levels of blending. From the overall renewables target, differentiated national overall targets should be derived
with Member States full involvement with due regard to a fair and adequate allocation taking
account of different national starting points and potentials, including the existing level of
renewable energies and energy mix cf. paragraphs 10 and 11, and, subject to meeting the
minimum biofuels target in each Member State, leaving it to Member States to decide on
national targets for each specific sector of renewable energies electricity, heating and
cooling, biofuels. In order to meet these targets, the European Council
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calls for an overall coherent framework for renewable energies which could be
established on the basis of a Commission proposal in 2007 for a new comprehensive
directive on the use of all renewable energy resources.
This proposal should be in line
with other Community legislation and could contain provisions as regards
Member States overall national targets
National Action Plans containing sectoral targets and measures to meet them and
criteria and provisions to ensure sustainable production and use of bioenergy and
to avoid conflicts between different uses of biomass. calls for a thorough and rapid implementation of the measures highlighted in the
June 2006 Council conclusions 1 on the Commission Biomass Action Plan, notably as
regards demonstration projects for second-generation biofuels
1
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Presidency Conclusions Brussels, 89 March 2007
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invites the Commission to analyse the potential of cross-border and EU-wide synergies
and of interconnections for reaching the overall renewable energy target, thereby also
addressing the situation of countries and regions largely isolated from the EU energy
market
invites the Commission to work with Member States to develop renewable energies, for
example through an expanded Forum on renewable energies and to promote the
exchange of best practice. 8. The European Council underlines the central role that emissions trading must play in the EUs
long-term goals to reduce GHG emissions, and stresses the importance of the review by the
Commission of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in delivering an improved EU ETS that
provides a market-based, cost-effective means to deliver emissions reductions at minimum
cost - including as regards energy-intensive industries - and to make a major contribution to
the EUs overall targets. V. Energy Technologies
9. Recognizing the need to strengthen energy research in particular to accelerate the
competitiveness of sustainable energies, notably renewables, and low carbon technologies and
the further development of energy efficiency technologies, the European Council welcomes
the Commissions intention to table a European Strategic Energy Technology Plan
during 2007 for consideration at the latest by the 2008 Spring European Council. 10. Aware of the huge possible global benefits of a sustainable use of fossil fuels, the European
Council
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underlines the importance of substantial improvements in generation efficiency and
clean fossil fuel technologies
urges Member States and the Commission to work towards strengthening R D and
developing the necessary technical, economic and regulatory framework to bring
environmentally safe carbon capture and sequestration CCS to deployment with new
fossil-fuel power plants, if possible by 2020
welcomes the Commissions intention to establish a mechanism to stimulate the
construction and operation by 2015 of up to 12 demonstration plants of sustainable
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Presidency Conclusions Brussels, 89 March 2007
11. Recalling that the EPE will fully respect Member States choice of energy mix, the European
Council
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notes the Commissions assessment of the contribution of nuclear energy in meeting the
growing concerns about safety of energy supply and CO2 emissions reductions while
ensuring that nuclear safety and security are paramount in the decision-making process
confirms that it is for each and every Member State to decide whether or not to rely on
nuclear energy and stresses that this has to be done while further improving nuclear
safety and the management of radioactive waste, and to that effect it
supports R D on waste management, particularly under the 7th Framework
Research Programme
can envisage the creation of a high-level group on nuclear safety and waste
management. suggests that broad discussion takes place among all relevant stakeholders on the
opportunities and risks of nuclear energy. ________________________
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ANNEX II
LIST OF DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL
1. LISBON STRATEGY FOR GROWTH AND EMPLOYMENT
Communication from the Commission to the Spring European Council - Implementing the
renewed Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs - A year of delivery PART IIV
507407 ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 en COM2006 816
Recommendation for a Council Recommendation on the 2007 up-date of the broad guidelines
for the economic policies of the Member States and the Community and on the
implementation of Member States employment policies
688107
Key Issues Paper by the Council ECOFIN to the Spring European Council 2007
686207
Key Issues Paper KIP - Input from the Competitiveness Council to the 2007 Spring
European Council
656007
Key messages from EPSCO to European Council
670507
Key messages to the Spring European Council in the field of education and training
562507
Key messages to the Spring European Council in the field of youth policy
584107
Council conclusions on the contribution of the transport sector to the Lisbon strategy
580407
Joint Employment Report 20062007
670607
Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2007
669407 ADD 1
Report from the Commission on equality between women and men, 2007
620507 COM2007 49
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Commission Communication Social Reality Stocktaking
Interim Report to the 2007 Spring European Council
685507
Commission Communication A single market for citizens
- Interim report to the 2007 Spring European Council
618107 COM200760
2.