Energy is a key sector in the European Community, which is becoming increasingly integrated both politically and economically and whose geopolitical responsibilities are widening. Although the Treaties already provide for an important Community role in the energy field, the Commission has reached the conclusion, on the basis of past experience and in the light of energy trends, that it is only with a sound and coherent energy policy framework at Community level that maximum benefits can be realized from action at both Community and Member State levels and a full contribution made to other policy objectives. The Community has a large range of instruments in the energy sector and even Community competencies, for instance in research and development, harmonization of legislation, competition, external energy relations, the trans- European networks, environment, etc. that can address these challenges. Even if most of these instruments do not specifically target energy they have important effects on this sector. In this context the question arises whether all these instruments taken together are adequate to develop a fully-fledged energy policy.
Experience shows that there are considerable gaps.
The range of instruments and programmes and Member States' responsibilities make it necessary, therefore, to establish a framework for cooperation based on the definition of common objectives and working methods that ensure dialogue and transparency. The Commission intends to establish a programme to monitor energy trends, set up an Energy Consultative Committee and organize cooperation between Member States on agreed energy objectives. It will do this on the basis of the existing Treaties. The White Paper is based on the existing Treaties and the Commission will state its position on whether a modification of the Treaty in the 1996 IGC is necessary, in a report to be published on this subject. In connection with the environmental concern, one member suggested the idea of strengthening the nuclear safety provisions of the Euratom Treaty.