COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 20.10.1998 
COM(1998) 607 final 
97/0302 (CNS) 
98/0233 (CNS) 
97/0369 (CNS) 
97/0372 (CNS) 
98/0234 (CNS) 
Amended proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
adopting a multiannual framework programme for actions 
in the energy sector 
(1998-2002) 
and 
CONNECTED MEASURES 
(presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 a (2) 
of the EC-Treaty) COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 20.10.1998 
COM(1998) 607 final 
97/0302 (CNS) 
98/0233 (CNS) 
97/0369 (CNS) 
97/0372 (CNS) 
98/0234 (CNS) 
Amended proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
adopting a multiannual framework programme for actions 
in the energy sector 
(1998-2002) 
and 
CONNECTED MEASURES 
(presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 a (2) 
of the EC-Treaty) 

Explanatory Memorandum 
The Commission presented on 18 November 1997 a proposal for a Council Decision 
adopting a multiannual framework programme for actions in the energy sector 
(1998-2002) and connected measures (COM(97)550 final). On 15 July 1998 the 
Commission presented a complementary proposal on two specific aspects 
(COM(98)423 final). 
The European Parliament delivered on 8 October 1998 its opinion on the draft decision 
based on Article 235 CE and 203 EURATOM. 
The European Parliament's main considerations coincide with those of the 
Commission. 
The majority of the amendments adopted reinforce et and clarify the initial proposals, 
in particular with respect to the key objectives of improving coherence, co-ordination 
and transparency of actions undertaken in the energy sector. Therefore they have been 
accepted by the Commission. 
The Commission hereby presents the attached modified proposals which take into 
consideration most of the amendments adopted by the Parliament. 
3L 
Amended proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
adopting a 
MULTIANNUAL FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME FOR 
ACTIONS IN THE ENERGY SECTOR 
(1998-2002) 
^ 
AMENDED PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION 97/0302 (CNS) 
ADOPTING A MULTIANNUAL FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME FOR ACTIONS 
IN THE ENERGY SECTOR (1998-2002) 
ORIGINAL TEXT 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Community, in particular 
Article 235 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission,1 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
European Parliament,2 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Economic and Social Committee,3 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Committee of the Regions,4 
Whereas the Commission communicated its 
views on the future of Community energy 
policy to the Council in its White Paper "An 
energy policy for the European Union" of 
13 December 1995 ;5 AMENDED TEXT 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Community, in particular 
Article 235 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission,1 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
European Parliament,2 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Economic and Social Committee,3 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Committee of the Regions,4 
Whereas the Commission communicated its 
views on the future of Community energy 
policy to the Council in its White Paper "An 
energy policy for the European Union " of 
13 December 1995;5 
COM(95)682, 13.12.1995. 
</ 
Whereas the Commission communicated to 
the Council in its White Paper of.... 1997 its 
views on the implementation and monitoring 
of a Community strategy and action plan for 
renewable energy sources to the year 2010 
with the aid of new technologies;6 
Whereas the Council adopted the SAVE II 
programme on 16 December 19967 to boost 
energy efficiency initiatives in the 
Community with a view to reducing CO2 
emissions; 
Whereas the Council and the European 
Parliament adopted a decision on 26 April 
1994 concerning the fourth framework 
programme of European Community 
activities in the field of research, 
technological development and 
demonstration (1994-1998)8 and a decision 
of the same date concerning a framework 
programme of Community activities in the 
field of research and training for the 
European Atomic Energy Community;9 
whereas the Commission adopted a proposal 
on the 5th framework programme of 
research and technological development on 
30 April 1997;io 
Whereas the Commission adopted and 
transmitted to the Council a communication 
on the energy dimension of climate change 
on 14 May 1997;" Whereas the Commission communicated to 
the Council in its White Paper of.... 1997 its 
views on the implementation and monitoring 
of a Community strategy and action plan for 
renewable energy sources to the year 2010 
with the aid of new technologies;6 
Whereas the Council adopted the SAVE II 
programme on 16 December 19967 to boost 
energy efficiency initiatives in the 
Community with a view to reducing CO2 
emissions; 
Whereas the Council and the European 
Parliament adopted a decision on 26 April 
1994 concerning the fourth framework 
programme of European Community 
activities in the field of research, 
technological development and 
demonstration (1994-1998)8 and a decision 
of the same date concerning a framework 
programme of Community activities in the 
field of research and training for the 
European Atomic Energy Community;9 
whereas the Commission adopted a proposal 
on the 5th framework programme of 
research and technological development on 
30 April 1997;10 
Whereas the Commission adopted and 
transmitted to the Council a communication 
on the energy dimension of climate change 
on 14 May 1997;»» 
6 COM(97) 
7 Decision 737/96/EC, OJ No L 335, 24.12,1996 
8 Council and Parliament Decision 1110/94/EC. OJ No L 115. 6.5.1994.. page 31 
9 Council Decision 268/94 (Euratom). OJ No LI 15, 6.5.1994. page 31. 
10 COM(97) 142 final 
11 COM(97) 196 final 
^ 
Whereas the use of cleaner technologies 
contributes to the objectives of the 
Community strategy to combat 
acidification;12 
Whereas energy is' a vital factor in the 
economic and social development of the 
Community; 
Whereas the Community's dependence on 
external energy supplies is set to increase 
significantly in the years to come; 
Whereas the competitiveness of European 
business is heavily influenced by the level of 
energy costs; 
Whereas it is necessary to the quality of life 
of citizens to ensure that the development of 
energy production and consumption is 
compatible with environmental protection 
objectives; 
Whereas CO2 emissions must be reduced; 
Whereas, particularly in view of the political 
uncertainties involved in the external supply 
markets, the Community must implement a 
coherent, effective energy policy geared to 
the medium and long-term prospects for 
economic development; Whereas the use of cleaner technologies 
contributes to the objectives of the 
Community strategy to combat 
acidification;12 
Whereas energy is a vital factor in the 
economic and social development of the 
Community; 
Whereas the Community's dependence on 
external energy supplies is set to increase 
significantly in the years to come; 
Whereas the competitiveness of European 
business is heavily influenced by the level of 
energy costs; 
Whereas for ensuring competitive energy 
prices it is essential to regularly monitor 
at EU level the implementation process of 
the two key liberalisation directives 
which have recently been adopted for the 
electricity and gas markets: 
Whereas this monitoring process should 
be based on co-operation with Member 
State administrations as well as 
regulators, facilitating the exchange of 
best practices and ensuring greater 
transparency along the lines of the model 
initiated by the Commission for the 
internal electricity market: 
Whereas it is necessary to the quality of life 
of citizens to ensure that the development of 
energy production and consumption is 
compatible with environmental protection 
objectives; 
Whereas CO2 emissions must be reduced; 
Whereas, particularly in view of the political 
uncertainties involved in the external supply 
markets, the Community must implement a 
coherent, effective energy policy geared to 
the medium and long-term prospects for 
economic development; 
12 COM(97)88 final of 12.3.1997 
G 
Whereas the actions taken under the energy 
policy should therefore be focused on 
specific priority objectives; 
Whereas, in view of the strategic challenges 
facing the Community, these objectives 
should focus in particular on ensuring the 
security of supplies, completing the 
integration of the energy markets, enhancing 
the competitiveness of European business 
and the quest for environmentally 
sustainable economic development; 
Whereas the balanced achievement of these 
objectives requires particular attention to be 
devoted to the transparency, coherence and 
coordination of all of the energy actions 
taken at Community level; 
Whereas the Council stressed this need in its 
Resolution of 8 July 199613 on the White 
Paper "An energy policy for the European 
Union"; 
Whereas the Council, when it adopted the 
Regulation adopting • a programme to 
promote international cooperation in the 
energy sector,14 considered that it would be 
opportune for the Commission to present a 
communication on all the Community 
programmes with an energy component, 
which could be followed by a proposal on 
the establishment of a framework 
programme for energy; 
Whereas the Commission presented a 
communication: "An overall view of energy 
policy and actions",15 from which it emerges 
that the Community is pursuing a great 
many actions, but that these are scattered 
either between different energy policy 
programmes or various Community policies; Whereas the actions taken under the energy 
policy should therefore be focused on 
specific priority objectives; 
Whereas, in view of the strategic challenges 
facing the Community, these objectives 
should focus in particular on ensuring the 
security of supplies, completing the 
integration of the energy markets, enhancing 
the competitiveness of European business 
and the quest for environmentally 
sustainable economic development; 
Whereas the balanced achievement of these 
objectives requires particular attention to be 
devoted to the transparency, coherence and 
coordination of all of the energy actions 
taken at Community level; 
Whereas the Council stressed this need in its 
Resolution of 8 July 199613 on the White 
Paper "An energy policy for the European 
Union"; 
Whereas the Council, when it adopted the 
Regulation adopting a programme to 
promote international cooperation in the 
energy sector,14 considered that it would be 
opportune for the Commission to present a 
communication on all the Community 
programmes with an energy component, 
which could be followed by a proposal on 
the establishment of a framework 
programme for energy; 
Whereas the Commission presented a 
communication: "An overall view of energy 
policy and actions",15 from which it emerges 
that the Community is pursuing a great 
many actions, but that these are scattered 
either between different energy policy 
programmes or various Community policies; 
13 OJ No C224, 1.8.1996 
14 Council Regulation (EC) No 701/97, OJ No L 104, 22.4.1997 
15 COM(97)167 final. 23.4.1997 
* 
Whereas it is necessary to ensure the 
management, complementarity and optimum 
use of budget resources; 
Whereas only a truly integrated approach 
will enable proper account to be taken of all 
the aspects of the problems to be resolved; 
Whereas this coherent, coordinated 
approach must apply both to energy policy 
as such and to the energy components of 
other Community policies; 
Whereas it is therefore necessary to define 
and establish a multiannual framework 
programme for the actions taken under the 
Community's energy policy; 
Whereas this framework programme should 
be implemented in the form of horizontal 
actions and thematic programmes; 
Whereas the horizontal actions cover 
forward analyses, market monitoring and 
international energy cooperation; 
Whereas the thematic programmes concern 
the promotion of renewable energy sources 
and the implementation of a Community 
strategy in this area, the promotion of 
energy efficiency, promotion of solid fuels 
and the safe use of nuclear energy; 
Whereas, in view of the context and the 
specific structures within which energy 
actions relating to trans-European networks 
are conducted, the structures and the 
manner in which such actions are 
implemented must be maintained in the 
appropriate framework; Whereas it is necessary to ensure the 
management, complementarity and optimum 
use of budget resources; 
Whereas only a truly integrated and 
coordinated approach of Community 
actions in the energy field will enable the 
development of a coherent and effective 
energy policy which ensures that proper 
account is taken of all the aspects of the 
problems to be resolved; 
Whereas this coherent, coordinated 
approach must apply both to energy policy 
as such and to the energy components of 
other Community policies; 
Whereas it is therefore necessary to define 
and establish a multiannual framework 
programme for the actions taken under the 
Community's energy policy; 
Whereas this framework programme should 
be implemented in the form of horizontal 
actions and thematic programmes; 
Whereas forward analyses and market 
monitoring are essential for the 
development of an adequate energy 
policy strategy for the medium and long 
term; whereas shared analyses with 
Member States and interested parties 
should be encouraged in this field; 
Whereas the horizontal actions cover 
forward analyses, market monitoring and 
international energy cooperation; 
Whereas the thematic programmes concern 
the promotion of renewable energy sources 
and the implementation of a Community 
strategy in this area, the promotion of 
energy efficiency, promotion of solid fuels 
and the safe use of nuclear energy; 
Whereas, in view of the context and the 
specific structures within which energy 
actions relating to trans-European networks 
are conducted, the structures and the 
manner in which such actions are 
implemented must be maintained in the 
appropriate framework; 
f 
Whereas in view of the context and the 
specific structures within which energy 
actions relating to RTD are conducted, the 
structures and the manner in which such 
actions are implemented will continue to 
conform with the arrangements and 
procedures of the RTD framework 
programme; whereas, however, cooperation 
and coordination with the other structures 
must be enhanced; 
Whereas the actions or programmes referred 
to above should be implemented where 
necessary by means of specific measures 
which, where appropriate, would replace the 
corresponding instruments currently in 
force; 
Whereas the principle of seeking the 
greatest possible coherence calls for the 
setting up of a single committee of an 
advisory nature for the whole of the 
framework programme and its constituent 
actions; 
Whereas, in view of the variety and 
technical complexity of the questions to be 
addressed, the single committee and the 
Commission should seek the assistance of 
appropriate experts where necessary; 
Whereas the single committee will assist the 
Commission in ensuring the greatest Whereas in view of the context and the 
specific structures within which energy 
actions relating to RTD are conducted, the 
structures and the manner in which such 
actions are implemented will continue to 
conform with the arrangements and 
procedures of the RTD framework 
programme; whereas, however, cooperation 
and coordination with the other structures 
must be enhanced; 
Whereas the actions or programmes referred 
to above should be implemented where 
necessary by means of specific measures 
which, where appropriate, would replace the 
corresponding instruments currently in 
force; 
Whereas support for enlargement of the 
European Union should put a particular 
focus on energy, given its political, social 
and economic importance in most of the 
accession countries: whereas this should 
include support for the implementation 
of the energy acquis, greater co­
ordination of the PHARE and 
international energy cooperation 
(SYNERGY) programmes and the 
opening up of the energy saving (SAVE), 
renewables (ALTENER) and solid fuels 
programmes to the accession countries, 
as well as closer co-operation with 
European and international financial 
institutions (EIB, EBRD, Worldbank) 
and the implementation of the Energy 
Charter Treaty; 
Whereas the principle of seeking the 
greatest possible coherence calls for the 
setting up of a single committee of an 
advisory nature for the whole of the 
framework programme and its constituent 
actions; 
Whereas, in view of the variety and 
technical complexity of the questions to be 
addressed, the single committee and the 
Commission should seek the assistance of 
appropriate experts where necessary; 
Whereas the single committee will assist the 
Commission in ensuring the greatest 
3 
possible transparency and the dissemination 
of information between all the parties 
concerned and ensure greater consistency of 
the energy actions taken under the various 
Community policies; 
Whereas, notwithstanding a systematic, 
regular evaluation of the actions, the 
"energy" framework programme and its 
specific programmes should be the subject 
of a mid-term review by independent 
experts; 
Whereas focusing the actions on the three 
major priority objectives of security of 
supply, competitiveness and protection of 
the environment will facilitate a more 
transparent and more efficient use of 
resources; 
Whereas some additional funding could be 
decided in the light of the political choices 
and priorities adopted; 
Whereas the funding of actions carried out 
in the priority areas of promotion of 
renewables (ALTENER programme) and 
energy efficiency (SAVE programme) in 
particular could be reviewed when the next 
financial perspective is drawn up; possible transparency and the dissemination 
of information between all the parties 
concerned and ensure greater consistency of 
the energy actions taken under the various 
Community policies; 
Whereas on the basis of key energy policy 
indicators regular reports should be 
drawn up on the implementation of the 
framework programme; 
Whereas, notwithstanding a systematic, 
regular evaluation of the actions, the 
"energy" framework programme and its 
specific programmes should be the subject 
of a mid-term review by independent 
experts; 
Whereas focusing the actions on the three 
major priority objectives of security of 
supply, competitiveness and protection of 
the environment will facilitate a more 
transparent and more efficient use of 
resources; 
Whereas the energy policy challenges 
which the European Union is facing in 
the next decade require that the 
budgetary appropriations for the energy 
framework programme be sufficient and 
that, in the context of the new financial 
perspectives, additional funding could be 
decided in the light of the political choices 
and priorities adopted; 
Whereas in the light of the key role of 
energy in 'the strategy for reducing 
greenhouse gas emissions, the funding of 
actions carried out in the priority areas of 
promotion of renewables (ALTENER 
programme) and energy efficiency (SAVE 
programme) in particular could be reviewed 
when the next financial 
perspective is drawn up, in addition to an 
increased coordination effort in these 
areas with other Community policies (e.g. 
structural funds, environment and 
research); 
Ajd 
Whereas, in keeping with the subsidiarity 
principle and the principle of proportionality 
pursuant to Article 3b of the Treaty, the 
above priority objectives of energy policy 
and the boosting and coordination of energy 
actions carried out under the energy policy 
proper and in the framework of other 
Community policies should, by their nature, 
be implemented at Community level; 
whereas this Decision is confined to the 
minimum required to achieve these goals; 
Whereas the Treaty does not provide 
powers for the adoption of this Decision, the 
purpose of which is the coordination of all 
aspects of energy policy, other than those in 
Article 235; whereas the specific 
programmes which will implement this 
framework programme will each be adopted 
on the appropriate legal basis, in particular 
where their objective is the prudent and 
rational utilisation of natural resources 
referred to in Article 13 Or of the Treaty, 
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 
Article 1 
(1) A multiannual framework 
programme for Community actions 
in the field of energy, hereinafter 
referred to as the "framework 
programme", is hereby adopted for 
the period 1998-2002. 
(2) The framework programme shall 
primarily contribute to the pursuit of 
the following priority objectives: 
to guarantee the security of energy 
supplies; 
to ensure competitiveness; 
to promote the compatibility of the 
development of the energy market 
with environmental protection 
objectives. Whereas, in keeping with the subsidiarity 
principle and the principle of proportionality 
pursuant to Article 3b of the Treaty, the 
above priority objectives of energy policy 
and the boosting and coordination of energy 
actions carried out under the energy policy 
proper and in the framework of other 
Community policies should, by their nature, 
be implemented at Community level; 
whereas this Decision is confined to the 
minimum required to achieve these goals; 
Whereas the Treaty does not provide 
powers for the adoption of this Decision, the 
purpose of which is the coordination of all 
aspects of energy policy, other than those in 
Article 235; whereas the specific 
programmes which will implement this 
framework programme will each be adopted 
on the appropriate legal basis, in particular 
where their objective is the prudent and 
rational utilisation of natural resources 
referred to in Article 13 Or of the Treaty, 
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 
Article 1 
(1) A multiannual framework 
programme for Community actions 
in the field of energy, hereinafter 
referred to as the "framework 
programme", is hereby adopted for 
the period 1998-2002. 
(2) The framework programme shall 
primarily contribute to the pursuit of 
the following priority objectives: 
to guarantee the security of energy 
supplies; 
to ensure competitiveness; 
to promote the compatibility of the 
development of the energy market 
with environmental protection 
objectives. 
AA 
(3) The framework programme shall 
also contribute to greater 
transparency, coherence and 
coordination of all .the Community's 
energy actions in the field of energy 
policy and ensure that they mesh 
effectively with the actions taken in 
the framework of other Community 
policies. 
Article 2 
(1) Notwithstanding the actions relating 
to energy conducted in the 
framework of research policy or 
trans-European networks 
respectively, the framework 
programme shall be implemented 
through six specific programmes of a 
horizontal or thematic nature 
corresponding to the following 
actions: 
(a) Development, in cooperation 
with the Member States, of a 
programme for regular 
monitoring of the evolution 
of the energy markets and 
trends, so that political 
decisions relating to energy 
can be taken on the basis of a 
joint analysis; 
(b) Reinforcement, within the 
area of competence of the 
framework programme, of 
international cooperation in 
the energy field in order to 
encourage, firstly, greater 
diversification of energy 
sources and, secondly, 
greater transparency and 
stability of the international 
gas and oil markets in 
particular; (3) The framework programme shall 
also contribute to greater 
transparency, coherence and 
coordination of all the Community's 
energy actions in the field of energy 
policy and ensure that they mesh 
effectively with the actions taken in 
the framework of other Community 
policies. 
Article 2 
(1) Notwithstanding the actions relating 
to energy conducted in the 
framework of research policy or 
trans-European networks 
respectively, the framework 
programme shall be implemented 
through six specific programmes of 
a horizontal or thematic nature 
corresponding to the following 
actions: 
(a) development, in cooperation 
with the Member States, of a 
programme for regular 
monitoring of the evolution 
of the energy markets and 
trends, so that political 
decisions relating to energy 
can be taken on the basis of a 
joint analysis; 
(b) reinforcement, within the 
' area of competence of the 
framework programme, of 
international cooperation in 
the energy field in order to 
encourage, firstly, greater 
diversification of energy 
sources and, secondly, 
greater transparency and 
stability of the international 
gas and oil markets in 
particular; 
/t«z_ 
(c) promotion of new and 
renewable energy sources 
and implementation of a 
Community strategy and 
action plan for renewable 
energy sources to the year 
2010; 
(d) encouragement of rational 
and efficient use of energy 
resources; 
(e) regeneration of the coal 
sector, notably through the 
use of environmentally 
compatible technologies; 
(f) safer use of nuclear energy. 
(2) Each specific programme, the 
duration of which will coincide with 
the period of application of this 
framework programme, shall set out 
the arrangements for its 
implementation. 
(3) Implementation of the framework 
programme may give rise, within its 
area of competence, to additional 
programmes and Community 
participation in programmes 
undertaken by several Member 
States. It may also lead to 
cooperation with third countries or 
international organizations. (c) 
(2) 
(3) 
(4) promotion of new and 
renewable energy sources 
and implementation of a 
Community strategy and 
action plan for renewable 
energy sources to the year 
2010; 
(d) encouragement of rational 
and efficient use of energy 
resources; including the 
promotion of combined 
heat and power ; 
(e) regeneration of the coal 
sector, notably through the 
use of environmentally 
compatible technologies; 
(f) safer use of nuclear energy. 
Each specific programme, the 
duration of which will coincide with 
the period of application of this 
framework programme, shall set out 
the arrangements for its 
implementation. 
Implementation of the framework 
programme may give rise, within its 
area of competence, to additional 
programmes and Community 
participation in programmes 
undertaken by several Member 
States. It may also lead to 
cooperation with third countries or 
international organizations. 
The Commission will take 
initiatives to strengthen the 
coherence of the EU energy policy 
in relation to environmental 
policies, energy taxation, 
structural funds, research and 
development, the implementation 
of the partnership agreements 
with Central and Eastern 
European countries, and the 
Energy Charter Treaty. 
Ah 
Article 3 
(1) The annual appropriations shall be 
authorized by the budgetary 
authority within the constraints of 
the financial perspective. 
(2) The detailed rules for financial 
participation by the Community in 
actions taken under the framework 
programme shall be laid down in 
accordance with the provisions of 
the Financial Regulation applicable 
to the general budget of the 
European Communities. 
Article 4 
(1) The Commission shall be responsible 
for the implementation of the 
framework programme and for 
drafting guidelines applicable to the 
actions and measures to be taken 
under each of the specific 
programmes. 
(2) The Commission shall be assisted in 
the management of the framework 
programme by a committee of an 
advisory nature composed of 
representatives of the Member States 
and chaired by the representative of 
the Commission. 
The representative of the 
Commission shall submit to the 
committee a draft of the measures to 
be taken. The . committee shall 
deliver its opinion within a time limit 
which the chairman may lay down 
according to the urgency of the 
matter, if necessary by taking a vote. Moreover, the Commission will 
co-operate closer with the 
European and international 
financial institutions (EEB, 
EBRD, World Bank) to 
implement the EU energy policy. 
Article 3 
(1) The annual appropriations shall be 
authorized by the budgetary 
authority within the constraints of 
the financial perspective. 
(2) The detailed rules for financial 
participation by the Community in 
actions taken under the framework 
programme shall be laid down in 
accordance with the provisions of 
the Financial Regulation applicable 
to the general budget of the 
European Communities. 
Article 4 
(1) The Commission shall be responsible 
for the implementation of the 
framework programme and for 
drafting guidelines applicable to the 
actions and measures to be taken 
under each of the specific 
programmes. 
(2) The Commission shall be assisted in 
the management of the framework 
programme by a committee of an 
advisory nature composed of 
representatives of the Member States 
and chaired by the representative of 
the Commission. 
The representative of the 
Commission shall submit to the 
committee a draft of the measures to 
be taken. The committee shall 
deliver its opinion within a time limit 
which the chairman may lay down 
according to the urgency of the 
matter, if necessary by taking a vote. 
ylq 
The opinion shall be recorded in the 
minutes; in addition, each Member 
State shall have the right to ask to 
have its position recorded in the 
minutes. 
The Commission shall take the 
utmost account of the opinion 
delivered by the committee. It shall 
inform the committee of the manner 
in which its opinion has been taken 
into account. 
Article 5 
(1) The Commission shall examine each 
year the state of implementation of 
the framework programme and its 
specific programmes. It shall assess 
the overall effectiveness of the 
framework programme and its 
contribution to the objectives of 
Community policy. It shall also 
assess whether the objectives, 
priorities and financial resources are 
still appropriate to the changing 
situation. If necessary, it shall 
submit proposals to adapt or 
supplement the framework 
programme and/or the specific 
programmes. 
(2) In the third year of the period of 
application of this framework 
programme and at all events before 
submitting its proposals for the 
establishment of a subsequent 
framework v programme, the 
Commission shall have an external 
assessment conducted by 
independent experts of the overall 
implementation of the Community 
actions carried out under the 
framework programme. The The opinion shall be recorded in the 
minutes; in addition, each Member 
State shall have the right to ask to 
have its position recorded in the 
minutes. 
The Commission shall take the 
utmost account of the opinion 
delivered by the committee. It shall 
inform the committee of the manner 
in which its opinion has been taken 
into account. 
Article 5 
(1) The Commission shall submit to the 
European Parliament and the 
Council a regular report on the 
state of implementation of the 
framework programme and its 
specific programmes. It shall assess 
the overall effectiveness of the 
framework programme and its 
contribution to the objectives of 
Community policy. On the basis of 
the evolution of the main 
indicators of energy policy, it shall 
also assess whether the objectives, 
priorities and financial resources are 
still appropriate to the changing 
situation. If necessary, it shall 
submit proposals to adapt or 
supplement the framework 
programme and/or the specific 
programmes. 
(2) In the third year of the period of 
application of this framework 
programme and at all events before 
submitting its proposals for the 
establishment of a subsequent 
framework programme, the 
Commission shall have an external 
assessment conducted by 
independent experts of the overall 
implementation of the Community 
actions carried out under the 
framework programme. The 
/<r 
Commission shall communicate the 
conclusions thereof, together with its 
comments, to the European 
Parliament, the Council, the 
Economic and Social Committee and 
the Committee of the Regions. 
(3) The independent experts referred to 
in the preceding paragraph shall be 
chosen by the Commission in a 
balanced fashion. 
Article 6 
This Decision is addressed to the Member 
States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council 
The President Commission shall communicate the 
conclusions thereof, together with its 
comments, to the European 
Parliament, the Council, the 
Economic and Social Committee and 
the Committee of the Regions. 
(3) The independent experts referred to 
in the preceding paragraph shall be 
chosen by the Commission in a 
balanced fashion. 
Article 6 
This Decision is addressed to the Member 
States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council 
The President 
Jit 
Amended proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
adopting a 
MULTIANNUAL PROGRAME 
OF STUDIES, ANALYSES, FORECASTS 
AND OTHER RELATED WORK 
IN THE ENERGY SECTOR 
(1998-2002) 
(ETAP programme) 
A% 
Amended proposal for a council decision 
adopting a 98/0233 (CNS) 
MULTIANNUAL PROGRAME OF STUDIES, ANALYSES, FORECASTS AND 
OTHER RELATED WORK IN THE ENERGY SECTOR 
(1998-2002) (ETAP programme) 
ORIGINAL TEXT 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Community, and in particular 
Article 235 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission,1 
Having regard to the 
European Parliament,2 opinion of the 
Whereas the White Paper entitled "An 
energy policy for the European Union"3 
proposes a new approach to the monitoring 
of energy trends based on coopération with 
the Member States and which would give 
added benefits by establishing and 
encouraging the most effective methods, 
promoting a cooperative approach to studies 
and analyses and encouraging the exchange 
of know-how in the field in question; 
Whereas in its resolution of 8 July 19964 on 
the above mentioned White Paper, the 
Council believes that energy decision making 
at Community level needs to be placed in the 
context of a shared analysis of the energy 
situation and of future trends and invites the 
Commission to organise cooperation 
between the Member States; 
Whereas, in its conclusions of 11 May 1998 
on the Kyoto Conference Protocol, the AMENDED TEXT 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Community, and in particular 
Article 235 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission,1 
Having regard to the 
European Parliament,2 opinion of the 
Whereas the White Paper entitled "An 
energy policy for the European Union"3 
proposes a new approach to the monitoring 
of energy trends based on cooperation with 
the Member States and which would give 
added benefits by establishing and 
encouraging the most effective methods, 
promoting a cooperative approach to studies 
and analyses and encouraging the exchange 
of know-how in the field in question; 
Whereas in its resolution of 8 July 19964 on 
the above mentioned White Paper, the 
Council believes that energy decision making 
at Community level needs to be placed in the 
context of a shared analysis of the energy 
situation and of future trends and invites the 
Commission to organise cooperation 
between the Member States; 
Whereas, in its conclusions of 11 May 1998 
on the Kyoto Conference Protocol, the 
COM(95)682 of 13.12.1995. 
OJNoC224, 1.8.1996. 
j8 
Council welcomed the Commission's 
presentation on the energy policy options to 
respond to the climate change challenge and 
underlined the necessity to prepare a shared 
analysis of the economic impact of reducing 
greenhouse gases; 
Whereas the Cardiff European Council 
invited in its conclusions, the "Energy" 
Council to implement the integration of the 
environment and development in its areas of 
competence and invited the Council and the 
Commission to follow regularly the 
organisational arrangements necessary to 
advance this process: and that it is therefore 
desirable to define appropriate indicators to 
follow the progress accomplished in this 
respect; 
Whereas the consolidation and monitoring of 
the internal energy market are priority tasks 
for the Community and for the Member 
States; whereas it is necessary in this 
connection for energy trends and questions 
to be analysed at Community level in 
collaboration with the energy sector; 
Whereas, it is therefore desirable to 
undertake within the multiannual framework 
programme for actions in the energy sector 
(1998 - 2002) a specific programme of 
studies, analyses, forecasts and other related 
actions in the energy sector; 
Whereas it is desirable that these analyses, 
studies, forecasts and other related work 
should not unnecessarily duplicate similar 
work carried out by other international 
organisations and by the Member States; Council welcomed the Commission's 
presentation on the energy policy options to 
respond to the climate change challenge and 
underlined the necessity to prepare a shared 
analysis of the economic impact of reducing 
greenhouse gases; 
Whereas the Cardiff European Council 
invited in its conclusions, the "Energy" 
Council to implement the integration of the 
environment and development in its areas of 
competence and invited the Council and the 
Commission to follow regularly the 
organisational arrangements necessary to 
advance this process: and that it is therefore 
desirable to define appropriate indicators to 
follow the progress accomplished in this 
respect; 
Whereas the consolidation and monitoring of 
the internal energy market are priority tasks 
for the Community and for the Member 
States; whereas it is necessary in this 
connection for energy trends and questions 
to be analysed at Community level in 
collaboration with the energy sector; 
Whereas security of energy supplies is 
one of the key energy policy objectives; 
whereas in the context of growing 
external energy dependency of the 
European Union, it is necessary to closely 
monitor and analyse energy market 
trends both within the Union and at 
world level; 
Whereas, it is therefore desirable to 
undertake within the multiannual framework 
programme for actions in the energy sector 
(1998 - 2002) a specific programme of 
studies, analyses, forecasts and other related 
actions in the energy sector; 
Whereas it is desirable that these analyses, 
studies, forecasts and other related work 
should not unnecessarily duplicate similar 
work carried out by other international 
organisations and by the Member States; 
A 
Whereas some of these activities should be 
open to participation by the international 
organisations responsible for energy matters, 
such as the International Energy Agency, the 
bodies representing the industry and certain 
third countries, in accordance with the rules 
governing the Community's relations with 
those organisations and countries; 
Whereas this set of actions should be 
coordinated with the other activities of the 
Community, the Member States, third 
countries and international organisations; 
Whereas it is politically and economically 
desirable to open up the programme to 
associated Central and Eastern European 
countries, in accordance with the 
conclusions of the European Council held in 
Copenhagen in June 1994 and as stated in 
the communication on this subject presented 
to the Council by the Commission in 
May 1994, as well as to Cyprus; 
the Treaty establishing the Whereas 
European Community does not provide 
powers for the adoption of this programme, 
other than those in Article 235. 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
Article 1 
(1) Within the framework programme 
for actions in the energy sector, a specific 
programme of studies, analyses, forecasts 
and other related work concerning the future 
development of European energy policy, 
hereinafter referred to as ETAP, shall be 
implemented by the Community for the 
period 1998-2002. 
(2) Apart from the priority objectives 
referred to in Article 1(2) of the Council 
Decision adopting a multiannual framework 
programme for actions in the energy sector, 
the objectives of the ETAP programme shall 
be: Whereas some of these activities should be 
open to participation by the international 
organisations responsible for energy matters, 
such as the International Energy Agency, the 
bodies representing the industry, 
consumers, European environmental 
organisations and associations, and certain 
third countries, in accordance with the rules 
governing the Community's relations with 
those organisations and countries; 
Whereas this set of actions should be 
coordinated with the other activities of the 
Community, the Member States, third 
countries and international organisations; 
Whereas it is politically and economically 
desirable to open up the programme to 
associated Central and Eastern European 
countries, in accordance with the 
conclusions of the European Council held in 
Copenhagen in June 1994 and as stated in 
the communication on this subject presented 
to the Council by the Commission in 
May 1994, as well as to Cyprus; 
the Treaty establishing the Whereas 
European Community does not provide 
powers for the adoption of this programme, 
other than those in Article 235. 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
Article 1 
(1) Within the framework programme 
for actions in the energy sector, a specific 
programme of studies, analyses, forecasts 
and other related work concerning the future 
development of European energy policy, 
hereinafter referred to as ETAP, shall be 
implemented by the Community for the 
period 1998-2002. 
(2) Apart from the priority objectives 
referred to in Article 1(2) of the Council 
Decision adopting a multiannual framework 
programme for actions in the energy sector, 
the objectives of the ETAP programme shall 
be: 
to 
to establish a shared approach at 
Community level to studies, analyses, 
forecasts and other related work in the 
energy sector; 
to promote analysis of energy markets and 
policies at the level of the Community and 
the Member States; 
analyse and evaluate energy and 
environmental questions, notably in 
relation to climate change; 
to analyse and evaluate energy market 
trends in Europe and the world; 
- to help identify and transfer the best 
analysis methods and practices; 
- to facilitate information networks in the 
energy field; 
- to develop an active policy for the 
dissemination of the results obtained. 
Article 2 
The annual appropriations shall be 
determined by the budgetary authority 
within the constraints of the financial 
perspectives and budgetary discipline. 
Article 3 
In order to achieve the objectives referred to 
in Article 1(2), the Community may 
undertake and/or promote, directly or in 
cooperation with the interested parties, 
and/or fund the following measures: 
(1) observation, monitoring and the 
exchange of comparable information in the 
energy field as well as the completion of 
studies, analyses and forecasts on all energy 
aspects, including trends, markets and 
prices; -to establish a shared approach at 
Community level to studies, analyses, 
forecasts and other related work in the 
energy sector; 
- to promote analysis of energy markets and 
policies at the level of the Community and 
the Member States; 
- to analyse and evaluate energy and 
competitiveness questions, in particular 
in the context of the implementation of 
the internal energy market; 
- to analyse and evaluate energy and 
environmental questions, notably in 
relation to climate change; 
-to analyse and evaluate energy market 
trends in Europe and the world, notably 
as regards their impact on the security 
of energy supplies within the European 
Union; 
- to help identify and transfer the best 
analysis methods and practices; 
- to facilitate information networks in the 
energy field; 
- to develop an active policy for the 
dissemination of the results obtained. 
Article 2 
The annual appropriations shall be 
determined by the budgetary authority 
within the constraints of the financial 
perspectives and budgetary discipline. 
Article 3 
In order to achieve the objectives referred to 
in Article 1(2), the Community may 
undertake and/or promote, directly or in 
cooperation with the interested parties, 
and/or fund the following measures: 
(1) observation, monitoring and the 
exchange of comparable information in the 
energy field as well as the completion of 
studies, analyses and forecasts on all energy 
aspects, including trends, markets and 
prices; 
<H 
(2) the provision " of technical and 
methodological assistance to projects in 
order to identify and transfer the best 
practices in areas such as methods of 
analysis and forecasting, means of collecting 
energy data, access to and exchanges via 
electronic networks and any other measure 
which helps to achieve the general objective; 
(3) assistance for the development of links 
with energy producers, users, academics and 
administrative circles in order to promote 
research into the policy and economic 
aspects of energy; 
(4) the implementation of any initiative 
contributing to the dissemination of the 
results obtained, including the preparation 
and publication of reports and the 
organisation of workshops, seminars and 
conferences. 
Article 4 
(1) The Commission shall be responsible for 
the financial execution and implementation 
of the ETAP programme. 
(2) For the purposes of implementing the 
programme, the Commission shall be 
assisted by the Committee referred to in 
Article 4 of the Council Decision adopting a 
multiannual framework programme for 
actions in the energy sector. 
(3) The Commission shall draw up each year 
a draft programme of actions to be 
undertaken during the following year, which 
will be submitted to the Committee referred 
to in paragraph 2. 
Article 5 
The examination and internal and external 
assessment of the implementation of this 
programme shall be carried out in 
accordance with Article 5 of the Council 
Decision adopting a multiannual framework 
programme for actions in the energy sector5. (2) the provision of technical and 
methodological assistance to projects in 
order to identify and transfer the best 
practices in areas such as methods of 
analysis and forecasting, means of collecting 
energy data, access to and exchanges via 
electronic networks and any other measure 
which helps to achieve the general objective; 
(3) assistance for the development of links 
with energy producers, users, academics and 
administrative circles in order to promote 
research into the policy and economic 
aspects of energy; 
(4) the implementation of any initiative 
contributing to the dissemination of the 
results obtained, including the preparation 
and publication of reports and the 
organisation of workshops, seminars and 
conferences. 
Article 4 
(1) The Commission shall be responsible for 
the financial execution and implementation 
of the ETAP programme. 
(2) For the purposes of implementing the 
programme, the Commission shall be 
assisted by the Committee referred to in 
Article 4 of the Council Decision adopting a 
multiannual framework programme for 
actions in the energy sector. 
(3) The Commission shall draw up each year 
a draft programme of actions to be 
undertaken during the following year, which 
will be submitted to the Committee referred 
to in paragraph 2. 
Article 5 
The examination and internal and external 
assessment of the implementation of this 
programme shall be carried out in 
accordance with Article 5 of the Council 
Decision adopting a multiannual framework 
programme for actions in the energy sector. 
5 Council Decision No. 
SL 
Article 6 
The ETAP programme shall be open to 
participation by associated Central and 
Eastern European countries (CEEC) in 
accordance with the conditions, including 
financial provisions, laid down in the 
additional protocols to the Association 
Agreements or in the Association 
Agreements themselves, relating to 
participation in Community programmes. 
The programme shall also be open to 
participation by Cyprus, on the basis of 
additional appropriations, under the same 
rules as those applied to EFTA/EEA 
countries, in accordance with procedures to 
be agreed with that country. 
Article 7 
This Decision shall enter into force on the 
20th day following its publication in the 
Official Journal of the European 
Communities. 
Article 8 
This Decision is addressed to the Member 
States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council, 
The President Article 6 
The ETAP programme shall be open to 
participation by associated Central and 
Eastern European countries (CEEC) in 
accordance with the conditions, including 
financial provisions, laid down in the 
additional protocols to the Association 
Agreements or in the Association 
Agreements themselves, relating to 
participation in Community programmes. 
The programme shall also be open to 
participation by Cyprus, on the basis of 
additional appropriations, under the same 
rules as those applied to EFTA/EEA 
countries, in accordance with procedures to 
be agreed with that country. 
Article 7 
This Decision shall enter into force on the 
20th day following its publication in the 
Official Journal of the European 
Communities. 
Article 8 
This Decision is addressed to the Member 
States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council, 
The President 
£3 
AMENDED PROPOSAL FOR 
A COUNCIL REGULATION 
adopting a 
MULTIANNUAL PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE 
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE ENERGY SECTOR 
(1998-2002) 
8T(/ 
AMENDED PROPOSAL PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL REGULATION ADOPTING A 
MULTIANNUAL PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE 
ENERGY SECTOR (SYNERGY PROGRAMME) ( 1998-2002) 
97/0369 (CNS) 
ORIGINAL TEXT 
THE COUNCIL OFTHE EUROPEAN 
UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing 
the European Community, and in 
particular Article 235 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission1, 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
European Parliament2, 
Whereas, for reasons of the 
competitiveness of the Community's 
industries, security of supply and 
protection of the environment, energy 
matters must be an important element in 
the Community's international activities; 
Whereas a multiannual framework 
programme for actions in the energy 
sector is being implemented; 
Whereas the Community's accession to 
the Energy Charter Treaty and the 
Convention on Climate Change commits 
it to continue with international 
cooperation in the energy field; 
Whereas the conclusions of the Council 
of Ministers for Development and 
Cooperation of 18 November 1992 on 
the guidelines for cooperation with the 
developing countries for clean and 
efficient energy technology stressed that 
an essential objective of energy 
cooperation with all developing 
countries was the implementation of AMENDED TEXT 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing 
the European Community, and in 
particular Article 235 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission1, 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
European Parliament2, 
Whereas, for reasons of the 
competitiveness of the Community's 
industries, security of supply and 
protection of the environment, energy 
matters must be an important element in 
the Community's international activities; 
Whereas a multiannual framework 
programme for actions in the energy 
sector is being implemented; 
Whereas the Community's accession to 
the Energy Charter Treaty and the 
Convention on Climate Change commits 
it to continue with international 
cooperation in the energy field; 
Whereas the conclusions of the Council 
of Ministers for Development and 
Cooperation of 18 November 1992 on 
the guidelines for cooperation with the 
developing countries for clean and 
efficient energy technology stressed that 
an essential objective of energy 
cooperation with all developing 
countries was the implementation of 
9"C 
effective energy policies; 
Whereas, as stressed in the Council 
resolution of 8 July 1996 on the White 
Paper "An energy policy for the 
European Union", energy developments 
in the Community are increasingly 
influenced by external developments and 
efforts must therefore be made to 
ensure that the Community develops a 
coherent and consistent approach to 
energy matters with third countries; 
Whereas the Community is engaged in 
international energy activities under 
various programmes; whereas, to ensure 
that these activities are consistent, they 
should be coordinated more closely; 
Whereas coordination of the 
Community's other measures in the 
energy sector is necessary; whereas 
there must therefore be no duplication 
with other programmes of the 
Community, of the Member States or of 
third countries or international 
organisations in the field of energy 
policy; 
Whereas, by reason of their wide-
ranging nature, the principal objectives 
of the programme, particularly the 
coordination of the various programmes 
of international measures, can be 
attained best at Community level; 
Whereas it is necessary to establish a 
specific legal instrument for the 
Community's international cooperation 
activities in the field of energy policy; 
Whereas according to the Council 
resolution on the White Paper "An 
energy policy for the European Union", 
political and trade relations are essential 
components of energy policy and, 
accordingly, the Community's 
international energy cooperation 
measures should be integrated more 
effectively in its external policy as a 
whole; effective energy policies; 
Whereas, as stressed in the Council 
resolution of 8 July 1996 on the White 
Paper "An energy policy for the 
European Union", energy developments 
in the Community are increasingly 
influenced by external developments and 
efforts must therefore be made to 
ensure that the Community develops a 
coherent and consistent approach to 
energy matters with third countries; 
Whereas the Community is engaged in 
international energy activities under 
various programmes; whereas, to ensure 
that these activities are consistent, they 
should be coordinated more closely; 
Whereas coordination of the 
Community's other measures in the 
energy sector is necessary; whereas 
there must therefore be no duplication 
with other programmes of the 
Community, of the Member States or of 
third countries or international 
organisations in the field of energy 
policy; 
Whereas, by reason of their wide-
ranging nature, the principal objectives 
of the programme, particularly the 
coordination of the various programmes 
of international measures, can be 
attained best at Community level; 
Whereas it is necessary to establish a 
specific legal instrument for the 
Community's international cooperation 
activities in the field of energy policy; 
Whereas according to the Council 
resolution on the White Paper "An 
energy policy for the European Union", 
political and trade relations are essential 
components of energy policy and, 
accordingly, the Community's 
international energy cooperation 
measures should be integrated more 
effectively in its external policy as a 
whole; 
0^ 
Whereas the objectives of energy 
cooperation pursuant to the programme 
should be to improve the 
competitiveness of Community 
industries, to enhance security of 
supply, to promote sustainable 
development and to improve energy 
efficiency; whereas such cooperation 
may be put into effect by cooperating in 
and co-financing projects; 
Whereas such cooperation should be 
anchored in an indicative programme 
and may be the subject of agreements 
with the States concerned or with 
international networks of study and 
research centres; 
Whereas, since the cooperation in 
question is external cooperation, it is 
governed by the special provisions laid 
down in Title IX of the Financial 
Regulation of 21 December 1977 
applicable to the general budget of the 
European Communities, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS 
REGULATION: 
Article 1 
Within the framework programme for 
actions in the energy sector, a specific 
programme of cooperation with third 
countries in fields of mutual benefit, 
hereinafter referred to as "SYNERGY", 
shall be implemented by the 
Community. 
This programme shall concern: 
• aid.with the definition, formulation 
and implementation of energy policy for 
third countries; 
• promotion of industrial cooperation 
between the Community and third 
countries in the energy sector; 
• closer coordination of the 
Community's external activities in the 
energy field. Whereas the objectives of energy 
cooperation pursuant to the programme 
should be to improve the 
competitiveness of Community 
industries, to enhance security of 
supply, to promote sustainable 
development and to improve energy 
efficiency; whereas such cooperation 
may be put into effect by cooperating in 
and co-financing projects; 
Whereas such cooperation should be 
anchored in an indicative programme 
and may be the subject of agreements 
with the States concerned or with 
international networks of study and 
research centres; 
Whereas, since the cooperation in 
question is external cooperation, it is 
governed by the special provisions laid 
down in Title IX of the Financial 
Regulation of 21 December 1977 
applicable to the general budget of the 
European Communities, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS 
REGULATION: 
Article 1 
Within the framework programme for 
actions in the energy sector, a specific 
programme of cooperation with third 
countries in fields of mutual benefit, 
hereinafter referred to as "SYNERGY", 
shall be implemented by the 
Community. 
This programme shall concern: 
• aid with the definition, formulation 
and implementation of energy policy for 
third countries; 
• promotion of industrial cooperation 
between the Community and third 
countries in the energy sector; 
• closer coordination of the 
Community's external activities in the 
energy field. 
U 
Article 2 
SYNERGY shall be addressed to all 
States which are not members of the 
Community and first and foremost those 
countries and regions considered 
priorities in the Community's external 
relations in terms of its political and 
economic interests and security of 
energy supply. 
Article 3 
1. Implementation of the 
SYNERGY programme shall start on 1 
January 1998 and end on 31 December 
2002. 
2. The annual appropriations shall 
be authorised by the budgetary authority 
within the limits of the financial 
perspectives. 
Article 4 
1. The programme shall help 
achieve the Community's main energy 
objectives as described in the White 
Paper "An energy policy for the 
European Union". To the same end, the 
Community may also maintain relations 
with international energy organisations. 
The measures to implement the 
programme shall be adopted in 
accordance with the rules set out in 
Article 4 of the Decision adopting the 
multiannual framework programme for 
actions in the energy sector. No funding 
may be granted to research, 
development • and demonstration 
projects. 
2. In order to achieve these 
objectives, the Community shall 
contribute, in particular, to the financing 
of activities concerning: 
energy policy advice and 
training; 
energy analyses and forecasting; Article 2 
SYNERGY shall be addressed to all 
States which are not members of the 
Community and first and foremost those 
countries and regions considered 
priorities in the Community's external 
relations in terms of its political and 
economic interests and security of 
energy supply. 
Article 3 
1. Implementation of the 
SYNERGY programme shall start on 1 
January 1998 and end on 31 December 
2002. 
2. The annual appropriations shall 
be authorised by the budgetary authority 
within the limits of the financial 
perspectives. 
Article 4 
1. The programme shall help 
achieve the Community's main energy 
objectives as described in the White 
Paper "An energy policy for the 
European Union". To the same end, the 
Community may also maintain relations 
with international energy organisations. 
The measures to implement the 
programme shall be adopted in 
accordance with the rules set out in 
Article 4 of the Decision adopting the 
multiannual framework programme for 
actions in the energy sector. No funding 
may be granted to research, 
development and demonstration 
projects. 
2. In order to achieve these 
objectives, the Community shall 
contribute, in particular, to the financing 
of activities concerning: 
energy policy advice and 
training; 
energy analyses and forecasting; 
Si% 
closer dialogue and exchanges 
of information on energy policy, notably 
by means of organisation of conferences 
and seminars; 
support to regional 
transboundary cooperation; 
improving the framework for 
industrial cooperation on energy; 
coordination of the Community 
instruments for international action in 
the energy sector and other similar 
international programmes. 
3. The cooperation shall also cover 
costs related to the preparation, 
implementation, monitoring and 
evaluation of performance of these 
operations, as well as costs concerning 
information. 
Article 5 
1. Community contributions may 
take the form of grants which shall be 
released in tranches as projects 
materialise. 
2. SYNERGY programme funding 
shall be granted only after verification 
that the activities cannot qualify for 
financing from other programmes. 
3. Financing decisions and any 
contracts resulting therefrom shall 
expressly provide, inter alia, for 
acceptance by the beneficiaries of 
supervision by the Commission and the 
Court of Auditors, which may be 
carried out on the spot if necessary. closer dialogue and exchanges 
of information on energy policy, notably 
by means of organisation of conferences 
and seminars; 
support to regional 
transboundary cooperation; 
improving the framework for 
industrial cooperation on energy; 
coordination of the Community 
instruments for international action in 
the energy sector and other similar 
international programmes. 
3. The cooperation shall also cover 
costs related to the preparation, 
implementation, monitoring and 
evaluation of performance of these 
operations, as well as costs concerning 
information. 
Article 5 
1. Community contributions may 
take the form of grants which shall be 
released in tranches as projects 
materialise. 
2. SYNERGY programme funding 
shall be granted only after verification 
that the activities cannot qualify for 
financing from other Community 
programmes, in order to avoid 
duplication. 
3. Financing decisions and any 
contracts resulting therefrom shall 
expressly provide, inter alia, for 
acceptance by the beneficiaries of 
supervision by the Commission and the 
Court of Auditors, which may be 
carried out on the spot if necessary. 
24 
Article 6 
1. An indicative programme 
covering the period referred to in 
Article 3 is established in the Annex. 
This programme defines the principal 
objectives, guidelines and priorities of 
Community cooperation in the 
indicative areas referred to in Article 4. 
2. An action programme based on 
the indicative programme referred to in 
paragraph 1 shall be adopted in 
accordance with the procedure provided 
for in Article 4 of the Council Decision 
adopting a framework programme for 
actions in the energy sector. This action 
programme shall include a list of the 
main projects to be financed within the 
indicative areas referred to in Article 4. 
The content of the programme shall be 
determined so as to provide Member 
States with the relevant information to 
enable the committee set up under the 
abovementioned procedure to give its 
opinion. 
3. Specific agreements may be 
concluded with third countries and 
international organisations, in the 
framework and for the duration of the 
indicative programme referred to in 
paragraph 1, in order to define the main 
lines of cooperation with the countries 
concerned and the consultation 
procedures regarding implementation of 
the programme. 
4. Contracts may also be 
concluded within the framework of the 
indicative programme referred to in 
paragraph 1 with international networks 
of study and research centres in order to 
define the contribution of these 
networks to achievement of the 
objectives described in the 
abovementioned indicative programme. Article 6 
1. An indicative programme 
covering the period referred to in 
Article 3 is established in the Annex. 
This programme defines the principal 
objectives, guidelines and priorities of 
Community cooperation in the 
indicative areas referred to in Article 4. 
2. An action programme based on 
the indicative programme referred to in 
paragraph 1 shall be adopted in 
accordance with the procedure provided 
for in Article 4 of the Council Decision 
adopting a framework programme for 
actions in the energy sector. This action 
programme shall include a list of the 
main projects to be financed within the 
indicative areas referred to in Article 4. 
The content of the programme shall be 
determined so as to provide Member 
States with the relevant information to 
enable the committee set up under the 
abovementioned procedure to give its 
opinion. 
3. Specific agreements may be 
concluded with third countries and 
international organisations, in the 
framework and for the duration of the 
indicative programme referred to in 
paragraph 1, in order to define the main 
lines of cooperation with the countries 
concerned and the consultation 
procedures regarding implementation of 
the programme. 
4. Contracts may also be 
concluded within the framework of the 
indicative programme referred to in 
paragraph 1 with international networks 
of study and research centres in order to 
define the contribution of these 
networks to achievement of the 
objectives described in the 
abovementioned indicative programme. 
3^ 
Article 7 
1. The Commission shall 
implement operations in accordance 
with the action programme referred to 
in Article 6(2). 
2. Service contracts shall, as a 
general rule, be awarded by restricted 
invitations to tender in conformity with 
Article 118 of the Financial Regulation 
applicable to the general budget of the 
European Communities. 
Negotiated contracts may be 
awarded for operations involving an 
amount below ECU 50 000. 
Supply contracts, where needed 
to supplement service contracts and 
limited to the objectives of SYNERGY, 
shall be awarded by means of open 
invitations to tender, except in the cases 
provided for in Article 116 of the 
Financial Regulation. 
Participation in invitations to 
tender and contracts shall be open on 
equal terms to all natural and legal 
persons in the Member States and in the 
beneficiary States. 
Participation by natural and legal 
persons from other countries may be 
authorised by the Commission on a 
case-by-case basis if the programmes or 
projects concerned require specific 
forms of assistance specifically available 
in these countries. 
3. Taxes, duties and the purchase 
of immovable property shall not be 
funded by the Community. 
4. In the case of co-financing, the 
participation of enterprises from the 
third countries concerned in invitations 
to tender and contracts may be 
authorised by the Commission on a 
case-by-case basis. The Commission 
shall render account thereof in the 
report referred to in Article 9. Article 7 
1. The Commission shall 
implement operations in accordance 
with the action programme referred to 
in Article 6(2). 
2. Service contracts shall, as a 
general rule, be awarded by restricted 
invitations to tender in conformity with 
Article 118 of the Financial Regulation 
applicable to the general budget of the 
European Communities. 
Negotiated contracts may be 
awarded for operations involving an 
amount below ECU 50 000. 
Supply contracts, where needed 
to supplement service contracts and 
limited to the objectives of SYNERGY, 
shall be awarded by means of open 
invitations to tender, except in the cases 
provided for in Article 116 of the 
Financial Regulation. 
Participation in invitations to 
tender and contracts shall be open on 
equal terms to all natural and legal 
persons in the Member States and in the 
beneficiary States. 
Participation by natural and legal 
persons from other countries for the 
duration of the projects, funded 
from the appropriations earmarked 
for these activities may be authorised 
by the Commission on a case-by-case 
basis if the programmes or projects 
concerned require specific forms of 
assistance specifically available in these 
countries. 
3. Taxes, duties and the purchase 
of immovable property shall not be 
funded by the Community. 
4. In the case of co-financing, the 
participation of enterprises from the 
third countries concerned in invitations 
to tender and contracts may be 
authorised by the Commission on a 
case-by-case basis. The Commission 
shall render account thereof in the 
report referred to in Article 9. 
M 
Article 8 
1. The Commission shall, together 
with the Member States, ensure 
effective coordination of the expert 
assistance provided in the beneficiary 
States by the Community and individual 
Member States on the basis of the 
information supplied by the Member 
States 
2. Coordination and cooperation 
vyith the international financial 
institutions and other sources of funds 
shall be encouraged. 
3. The Commission shall examine 
ways of promoting co-financing by the 
SYNERGY programme, bilateral 
cooperation from the Member States, 
the programmes of other international 
organisations and other Community 
programmes. It shall, in particular, 
contribute to closer coordination and 
complementarity between the 
contributions made by SYNERGY and 
the other Community instruments for 
international energy cooperation in 
order to avoid duplication. It shall also 
ensure that duplication is avoided 
between the SYNERGY programme 
and any other programme or action of 
other international organisations in the 
field of energy. 
Article 9 
1. The Commission shall present a 
report by 31 December 2000 on the 
implementation of the specific 
programme in the two previous financial 
years, based on an external assessment 
by independent experts. Article 8 
1. The Commission shall, together 
with the Member States, ensure 
effective coordination of the expert 
assistance provided in the beneficiary 
States by the Community and individual 
Member States on the basis of the 
information supplied by the Member 
States. 
2. Coordination and cooperation 
with the international financial 
institutions and other sources of funds 
shall be encouraged. 
3. The Commission shall examine 
ways of promoting co-financing by the 
SYNERGY programme, bilateral 
cooperation from the Member States, 
the programmes of other international 
organisations and other Community 
programmes. It shall ensure that 
duplication is avoided between the 
SYNERGY programme and any other 
programme or action of other 
international organisations in the field of 
energy. It shall also contribute to 
closer coordination and 
complementarity between 
SYNERGY and the other 
Community instruments for 
international energy cooperation 
required to carry forward actions 
begun by SYNERGY, thus avoiding 
duplication. 
Article 9 
1. The Commission shall present a 
report by 31 December 2000 on the 
implementation of the specific 
programme in the two previous financial 
years, based on an external assessment 
by independent experts. 
*>l 
2. The Commission shall present a 
report by 31 December 2002 on the 
implementation of the programme and 
the results obtained in third countries 
and Member States, accompanied by the 
external assessment by independent 
experts on which it is based. 
3. Each year the Commission shall 
present a report on the implementation 
of the external energy activities under 
the various Community instruments. 
4. These reports shall be addressed 
to the European Parliament and the 
Council. 
Article 10 
This Regulation annuls and replaces 
Council Regulation (EC) No / 
This Regulation shall be binding in its 
entirety and directly applicable in all 
Member States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council 
The President 2. The Commission shall present a 
report by 31 December 2002 on the 
implementation of the programme and 
the results obtained in third countries 
and Member States, accompanied by the 
external assessment by independent 
experts on which it is based. 
3. Each year the Commission shall 
present a report on the implementation 
of the external energy activities under 
the various Community instruments. 
4. These reports shall be addressed 
to the European Parliament and the 
Council. 
Article 10 
This Regulation annuls and replaces 
Council Regulation (EC) No / 
This Regulation shall be binding in its 
entirety and directly applicable in all 
Member States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council 
The President 
% 
Amended proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
adopting a 
MULTIANNUAL PROGRAMME OF 
TECHNOLOGICAL ACTIONS PROMOTING THE 
CLEAN AND EFFICIENT USE 
OF SOLID FUELS 
(1998-2002) 
V<y 
Amended proposal for a Council Decision 
adopting a 
MULTIANNUAL PROGRAMME OF TECHNOLOGICAL ACTIONS 
PROMOTING THE CLEAN AND EFFICIENT USE 
OF SOLID FUELS (1998-2002) 97/0372 (CNS) 
ORIGINAL TEXT AMENDED TEXT 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
UNION 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Community, and in particular 
Article 235 thereof; 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission1; 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
European Parliament2, 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Economic and Social Committee; 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
European Coal and Steel Community 
Consultative Committee; 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Committee of the Regions; 
Having regard to the White Paper on 
Energy indicating the energy policy 
objectives of economic competitiveness, THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
UNION 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Community, and in particular 
Article 235 thereof; 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission1; 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
European Parliament2, 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Economic and Social Committee; 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
European Coal and Steel Community 
Consultative Committee; 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Committee of the Regions; 
Having regard to the White Paper on 
Energy indicating the energy policy 
objectives of economic competitiveness, 
OJNo 
OJNo 
?>Ç 
environmental control, security of supply 
and maintenance of employment; 
Whereas solid fuels are available in the 
Community and the ready, abundant, 
diverse sources of hard coal traded world­
wide ensure that such fuels are and will 
remain a low-cost energy source; 
Whereas the promotion of clean and 
efficient technologies for solid fuels 
contributes to the diversification of primary 
energy resources and to the balance of 
Community energy policy objectives; 
Whereas solid fuels will be increasingly 
utilised both in developed and emerging 
areas of the world, thereby contributing to 
emissions of pollutants and CO2; whereas 
every effort should be made to ameliorate 
such emissions by the promotion of clean 
and efficient technologies and the 
application of BAT (Best Available 
Technologies) to existing and new plant 
using solid fuels; 
Whereas the manufacture and supply of 
equipment for the clean utilisation of coal, 
lignite and other forms of solid fuels, for 
use both within and outside the European 
Community, can contribute to the 
maintenance of employment; 
Whereas, pursuant to Article 13 Or of the 
Treaty on the European Union, action by the 
Community relating to the environment 
should improve the quality of the 
environment and ensure a prudent and 
rational utilization of natural resources, 
objectives which are furthered by the 
implementation of clean coal technologies; 
Whereas the promotion of more efficient 
clean solid fuel technologies can make a 
significant contribution to the reduction of 
polluting emissions arising from the 
traditional use of fossil fuels at European 
Union level; whereas use of cleaner 
technologies contributes to the objectives of 
the Community strategy to combat environmental control, security of supply 
and maintenance of employment; 
Whereas solid fuels are available in the 
Community and the ready, abundant, 
diverse sources of hard coal traded world­
wide ensure that such fuels are and will 
remain a low-cost energy source; 
Whereas the promotion of clean and 
efficient technologies for solid fuels 
contributes to the diversification of primary 
energy resources and to the balance of 
Community energy policy objectives; 
Whereas solid fuels will be increasingly 
utilised both in developed and emerging 
areas of the world, thereby contributing to 
emissions of pollutants and CO2; whereas 
every effort should be made to ameliorate 
such emissions by the promotion of clean 
and efficient technologies and the 
application of BAT (Best Available 
Technologies) to existing and new plant 
using solid fuels; 
Whereas the manufacture and supply of 
equipment for the clean utilisation of coal, 
lignite and other forms of solid fuels, for 
use both within and outside the European 
Community, can contribute to the 
maintenance of employment; 
Whereas, pursuant to Article 130r of the 
Treaty on the European Union, action by the 
Community relating to the environment 
should improve the quality of the 
environment and ensure a prudent and 
rational utilization of natural resources, 
objectives which are furthered by the 
implementation of clean coal technologies; 
Whereas the promotion of more efficient 
clean solid fuel technologies can make a 
significant contribution to the reduction of 
polluting emissions arising from the 
traditional use of fossil fuels at European 
Union level; whereas use of cleaner 
technologies contributes to the objectives of 
the Community strategy to combat 
1C 
acidification ;3 
Whereas the promotion of more efficient 
clean solid fuel technologies will contribute 
to the reduction of greenhouse gases and the 
danger of global climate change; whereas 
wide-ranging co-operation is therefore 
desirable in order to obtain significant 
results; 
Whereas, since the Treaty establishing the 
European Economic Community does not 
provide for other powers to cover the 
energy aspects of the programme referred to 
in Article 2 below, Article 235 of the Treaty 
should be invoked; 
Whereas Council has adopted a White 
Paper defining the main lines of new 
Community energy policy objectives for 
coherence and convergence of the policies 
of the Member States; whereas this White 
Paper states that the contribution of new 
clean solid fuel technologies can enhance 
the use of a wide variety of fuels, so that 
they can continue to play a significant part 
in the overall energy balance sheet but with 
an improved environmental image; 
Whereas the promotion and exploitation of 
clean solid fuel technologies offers 
economic advantages in terms of 
employment opportunities with companies 
in the Union operating on a world-wide 
basis; 
Whereas to sustain a cleaner environment, 
advanced clean solid fuel technologies 
should be developed to achieve improved 
BAT (Best Available Technologies) at costs acidification ; 
Whereas the promotion of more efficient 
clean solid fuel technologies will contribute 
to the reduction of greenhouse gases and the 
danger of global climate change; whereas 
wide-ranging co-operation is therefore 
desirable in order to obtain significant 
results; 
Whereas it is necessarv to ensure that 
promotion of clean coal technologies 
should be applied equally to domestic 
and small scale commercial and 
industrial boilers as well as large 
electrical power generation plant; 
Whereas, since the Treaty establishing the 
European Economic Community does not 
provide for other powers to cover the 
energy aspects of the programme referred to 
in Article 2 below, Article 235 of the Treaty 
should be invoked; 
Whereas Council has adopted a White 
Paper defining the main lines of new 
Community energy policy objectives for 
coherence and convergence of the policies 
of the Member States; whereas this White 
Paper states that the contribution of new 
clean solid fuel technologies can enhance 
the use of a wide variety of fuels, so that 
they can continue to play a significant part 
in the overall energy balance sheet but with 
an improved environmental image; 
Whereas the promotion and exploitation of 
clean solid fuel technologies offers 
economic advantages in terms of 
employment opportunities with companies 
in the Union operating on a world-wide 
basis; 
Whereas to sustain a cleaner environment, 
advanced clean solid fuel technologies 
should be developed to achieve improved 
BAT (Best Available Technologies) at costs 
3 COM(97)88 final, 12.3.97 
^ 
which can be afforded; 
Whereas certain countries which are 
expected to become members of the 
European Union in the coming years are 
very strongly dependent on the production 
and use of solid fuels to meet their energy 
requirements; whereas those countries will 
need to modernise and improve their energy 
technologies in order to comply with 
European Union legislation relating to the 
protection of the environment; 
Whereas a number of Member States have 
their own clean solid fuel technology 
programmes; whereas there should be an 
opportunity for those programmes to 
co-ordinate with each other and with the 
relevant European Union programmes; 
Whereas it is also important to promote the 
uptake of technologies developed with 
financing from the specific Research and 
Technical Development non-nuclear energy 
programme; 
Whereas a multiannual Framework 
Programme for Actions in the energy field 
has been established; 
Whereas the European Parliament and EU 
industry have indicated their keen interest in 
pursuing a policy of developing clean coal 
technologies for use in the Union and 
elsewhere in the world; 
Whereas the Amsterdam European Council 
highlighted the importance of solid fuel 
Research and Development by its request 
that the research in that field currently 
supported under the Treaty establishing the 
European Coal and Steel Community 
should be continued after the expiry of the 
Treaty in 2002; 
Whereas there is a need to transfer to the 
industry the results of the research funded 
under the European Coal and Steel 
Community, the need for whose 
continuation has been acknowledged by the 
Amsterdam European Council; which can be afforded; 
Whereas certain countries which are 
expected to become members of the 
European Union in the coming years are 
very strongly dependent on the production 
and use of solid fuels to meet their energy 
requirements; whereas those countries will 
need to modernise and improve their energy 
technologies in order to comply with 
European Union legislation relating to the 
protection of the environment; 
Whereas a number of Member States have 
their own clean solid fuel technology 
programmes; whereas there should be an 
opportunity for those programmes to 
co-ordinate with each other and with the 
relevant European Union programmes; 
Whereas it is also important to promote the 
uptake of technologies developed with 
financing from the specific Research and 
Technical Development non-nuclear energy 
programme; 
Whereas a multiannual Framework 
Programme for Actions in the energy field 
has been established; 
Whereas the European Parliament and EU 
industry have indicated their keen interest in 
pursuing a policy of developing clean coal 
technologies for use in the Union and 
elsewhere in the world; 
Whereas the Amsterdam European Council 
highlighted the importance of solid fuel 
Research and Development by its request 
that the research in that field currently 
supported under the Treaty establishing the 
European Coal and Steel Community 
should be continued after the expiry of the 
Treaty in 2002; 
Whereas there is a need to transfer to the 
industry the results of the research funded 
under the European Coal and Steel 
Community, the need for whose 
continuation has been acknowledged by the 
Amsterdam European Council; 
*& 
Whereas the promotion, demonstration and 
exploitation of clean solid fuel technologies 
throughout the Community are likely to 
strengthen its economic and social 
cohesion, as called for by Article 130a of 
the Treaty; 
Whereas, to this end, it is appropriate to 
take account of the Community's indicative 
objectives and make provision for resources 
to further the attainment of those objectives, 
taking into consideration the particular 
conditions in each Member State; 
Whereas provision should be made for a 
five-year programme; 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
Article 1 
Member States shall endeavour to 
contribute in their energy policies to the 
promotion of clean solid fuel technologies, 
where appropriate, so as to ensure that the 
best available technologies (BAT) are used 
in order to limit emissions from solid fuel 
use, including carbon dioxide emissions. 
Account shall be taken of the Community's 
indicative objectives relating to clean coal 
technologies. These objectives are to be 
reviewed with the Energy Committee (see 
Article 7.2) on a year by year basis. 
Article 2 
Within the Framework Programme for 
Energy, the Community shall support a 
series of actions to promote the exploitation 
of clean solid fuel technologies within the 
context of the specific programme 
CARNOT (actions for greater penetration 
and exploitation of clean solid fuel 
technologies), hereinafter referred to as 'the 
programme'. Whereas the promotion, demonstration and 
exploitation of clean solid fuel technologies 
throughout the Community are likely to 
strengthen its economic and social 
cohesion, as called for by Article 130a of 
the Treaty; 
Whereas, to this end, it is appropriate to 
take account of the Community's indicative 
objectives and make provision for resources 
to further the attainment of those objectives, 
taking into consideration the particular 
conditions in each Member State; 
Whereas provision should be made for a 
five-year programme; 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
Article 1 
Member States shall endeavour to 
contribute in their energy policies to the 
promotion of clean solid fuel technologies, 
where appropriate, so as to ensure that the 
best available technologies (BAT) are used 
in order to promote increased efficiency of 
combustion and to limit emissions from 
solid fuel use, including carbon dioxide 
emissions. Account shall be taken of the 
Community's indicative objectives relating 
to clean coal technologies. These objectives 
are to be reviewed with the Energy 
Committee (see Article 7.2) on a year by 
year basis. 
Article 2 
Within the Framework Programme for 
Energy, the Community shall support a 
series of actions to promote the exploitation 
of clean solid fuel technologies within the 
context of the specific programme 
CARNOT (actions for greater penetration 
and exploitation of clean solid fuel 
technologies), hereinafter referred to as 'the 
programme'. 
^ 
The programme shall last for five years, 
from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2002. 
The annual appropriations are authorised by 
the budgetary authority within the ceiling of 
the financial perspectives. 
Article 3 
Two categories of actions on clean solid 
fuel technologies shall be financed under 
the programme, namely: 
a) Measures to foster the creation of an 
information network aimed at promoting 
better market and technical information 
between national, Community and 
international activities through the 
establishment of appropriate means for 
exchanging information, helping to remove 
barriers and evaluating the impact of the 
various actions provided for in this article: 
b) Measures to foster industrial 
strategic cooperation, such as business 
workshops and seminars, industrial on-site 
visits, studies, evaluations and concertation 
groupings, aimed at promoting the 
industrial exploitation of clean technologies 
for energy purposes, in particular heat and 
power production. This will include the 
promotion of exports of European clean 
solid fuel technology. 
Article 4 
All costs relating to the actions referred to 
in Article 3 a) shall be borne by the 
Community. 
The level of funding for the actions referred 
to in Article 3 b) shall be between 30 and 
50% of their total cost. 
The balance of the funding of the actions 
referred to in Article 3 b) may be made up 
from either public or private sources or 
from a combination of the two. The programme shall last for five years, 
from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2002. 
The annual appropriations are authorised by 
the budgetary authority within the ceiling of 
the financial perspectives. 
Article 3 
Two categories of actions on clean solid 
fuel technologies shall be financed under 
the programme, namely: 
a) Measures to foster the creation of an 
information network aimed at promoting 
better market and technical information 
between national, Community and 
international activities through the 
establishment of appropriate means for 
exchanging information, helping to remove 
barriers and evaluating the impact of the 
various actions provided for in this article: 
b) Measures to foster industrial 
strategic cooperation, * such as business 
workshops and seminars, industrial on-site 
visits, studies, evaluations and concertation 
groupings, aimed at promoting the 
industrial exploitation of clean technologies 
for energy purposes, in particular heat and 
power production. This will include the 
promotion of exports of European clean 
solid fuel technology. 
Article 4 
All costs relating to the actions referred to 
in Article 3 a) shall be borne by the 
Community. 
The level of funding for the actions referred 
to in Article 3 b) shall be between 30 and 
50% of their total cost. 
The balance of the funding of the actions 
referred to in Article 3 b) may be made up 
from either public or private sources or 
from a combination of the two. 
kP 
Article 5 
The Commission shall establish guidelines 
for the support measures referred to in 
Article 3 b) each year, in consultation with 
the committee provided for in Article 7.1. 
The proposed initiatives referred to in 
Article 3 and the list of bodies which are to 
implement them shall be submitted annually 
by the Member States to the Commission, 
which shall decide on the level and 
conditions of Community funding 
according to the procedure provided for in 
Article 7. The Commission shall sign 
contracts relating to the support measures 
with those bodies. 
Article 6 
The Commission shall be responsible for 
the implementation of the programme. 
For the implementation of the actions 
referred to in Article 3 a) and b) the 
Commission shall apply the procedure laid 
down in Article 7. 
Article 7 
The Commission shall be assisted by the 
Committee referred to in article 4 of the 
Council decision setting up a multiannual 
Energy Framework Programme. 
Article 8 
1. During the third year of the 
programme, the Commission shall present a 
report to the European Parliament and to the 
Council on the results achieved. The report 
shall be accompanied by proposals for any 
amendments which might be necessary in 
the light of these results. Article 5 
The Commission shall establish guidelines 
for the support measures referred to in 
Article 3 b) each year, in consultation with 
the committee provided for in Article 7.1. 
The proposed initiatives referred to in 
Article 3 and the list of bodies which are to 
implement them shall be submitted annually 
by the Member States to the Commission, 
which shall decide on the level and 
conditions of Community funding 
according to the procedure provided for in 
Article 7. The Commission shall sign 
contracts relating to the support measures 
with those bodies. 
Article 6 
The Commission shall be responsible for 
the implementation of the programme. 
For the implementation of the actions 
referred to in Article 3 a) and b) the 
Commission shall apply the procedure laid 
down in Article 7. 
Article 7 
The Commission shall be assisted by the 
Committee referred to in article 4 of the 
Council decision setting up a multiannual 
Energy Framework Programme. 
Article 7 a 
During the first year of the programme 
the Commission shall report to the 
Parliament on the extent and type of 
existing solid fuels generating capacity. 
Article 8 
1. During the third year of . the 
programme, the Commission shall present a 
report to the European Parliament and to the 
Council on the results achieved. The report 
shall be accompanied by proposals for any 
amendments which might be necessary in 
the light of these results. 
1*4 
2. On expiry of the programme, the 
Commission shall assess the results 
obtained, the application of this Decision 
and the consistency of national and 
Community actions. It shall present a report 
thereon to the European Parliament, the 
Council, the Economic and Social 
Committee and the Committee of the 
Regions. 
Article 9 
The programme shall be open to associated 
Central and East European countries in 
accordance with the conditions, including 
financial arrangements, agreed on in the 
Additional Protocols to the Association 
Agreements, for participation in 
Community programmes. The programme 
shall be open to Cyprus on the basis of 
additional appropriations in accordance 
with the same rules as those applied to the 
EFTA countries following procedures to be 
agreed on with the countries concerned. 
Article 10 
This Decision is addressed to the Member 
States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council 
The President 2. On expiry of the programme, the 
Commission shall assess the results 
obtained, the application of this Decision 
and the consistency of national and 
Community actions. It shall present a report 
thereon to the European Parliament, the 
Council, the Economic and Social 
Committee and the Committee of the 
Regions. 
Article 9 
The programme shall be open to associated 
Central and East European countries in 
accordance with the conditions, including 
financial arrangements, agreed on in the 
Additional Protocols to the Association 
Agreements, for participation in 
Community programmes. The programme 
shall be open to Cyprus on the basis of 
additional appropriations in accordance 
with the same rules as those applied to the 
EFTA countries following procedures to be 
agreed on with the countries concerned. 
Article 10 
This Decision is addressed to the Member 
States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council 
The President 
t/4 
Amended proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
adopting a 
MULTIANNUAL PROGRAMME OF ACTIONS IN THE NUCLEAR SECTOR, 
RELATING TO THE SAFE TRANSPORT OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS AND 
TO SAFEGUARDS AND INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION 
TO PROMOTE SAFETY FEATURES OF NUCLEAR INSTALLATIONS 
IN COUNTRIES PARTICIPATING IN THE TACIS PROGRAMME (1998-2002). 
(SURE programme) 
cp 
Amended Proposal for a Council Decision 
adopting a 98/0234 (CNS) 
PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION ADOPTING A MULTIANNUAL PROGRAMME OF 
ACTIONS IN THE NUCLEAR SECTOR, RELATING TO THE SAFE TRANSPORT OF 
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS AND TO SAFEGUARDS AND INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION TO 
PROMOTE SAFETY FEATURES OF NUCLEAR INSTALLATIONS IN COUNTRIES 
PARTICIPATING IN THE TACIS PROGRAMME (1998-2002). 
(SURE programme) 
ORIGINAL TEXT 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Atomic Energy Community, and in 
particular Article 203 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission,* 
Having regard to the opinion of the European 
Parliament,^ 
Whereas the desire to promote safeguards for the use 
of nuclear materials as well as a high degree of safety 
are fundamental objectives of Community energy 
policy in the nuclear field; whereas a specific 
programme to promote certain actions related to 
nuclear safeguards and safety should therefore be 
implemented within the multiannual framework 
programme for actions in the energy sector (1998-
2002); 
Whereas the use of nuclear energy to produce 
electricity and the increasing use of radioactive 
materials in the health sector, industry and research 
mean that more radioactive materials are being 
transported, whereas the desire to increase safety in 
the nuclear field must therefore lead to an 
improvement in the safety conditions under which 
radioactive materials are transported; 
Whereas the Community cannot disregard the 
situation prevailing in the nuclear sector in the 
countries participating in the TACIS programme; AMENDED TEXT 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Atomic Energy Community, and in 
particular Article 203 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission, 1 
Having regard to the opinion of the European 
Parliament,^ 
Whereas the desire to promote safeguards for the use 
of nuclear materials as well as a high degree of safety 
are fundamental objectives of Community energy 
policy in the nuclear field; whereas a specific 
programme to promote certain actions related to 
nuclear safeguards and safety should therefore be 
implemented within the multiannual framework 
programme for actions in the energy sector (1998-
2002); 
Whereas the use of nuclear energy to produce 
electricity and the increasing use of radioactive 
materials in the health sector, industry and research 
mean that more radioactive materials are being 
transported; whereas the desire to increase safety in 
the nuclear field must therefore lead to an 
improvement in the safety conditions under which 
radioactive materials are transported; 
Whereas the Community cannot disregard the 
situation prevailing in the nuclear sector in the 
countries participating in the TACIS programme; 
uu 
whereas it can help to ensure nuclear safeguards in 
those countries by passing on the benefits of its 
experience and to promote high safety standards for 
nuclear equipment design and maintenance by 
encouraging industrial cooperation; 
Whereas it is politically and economically desirable to 
open up the programme to associated Central and 
Eastern European countries, in accordance with the 
conclusions of the European Council held in 
Copenhagen in June 1994 and as stated in the 
communication on this subject presented to the 
Council by the Commission in May 1994, as well as 
to Cyprus; 
Whereas the Treaty establishing the European 
Atomic Energy Community does not provide powers 
for the adoption of this programme other than those 
in Article 203; 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
Article 1 
I. Within the framework programme for actions 
in the energy sector a specific programme of 
actions in the nuclear sector, relating to the 
safe transport of radioactive materials and to 
safeguards and industrial cooperation to 
promote safety features of nuclear 
installations in countries participating in the 
TACIS programme, hereinafter referred to as 
"SURE", shall be implemented by the 
Community for the period 1998-2002. 
II. Apart from the priority objectives referred to 
in Article 1(2) of the Council decision 
adopting a multiannual framework 
programme for actions in the energy sector, 
the objectives of the SURE programme shall 
be: whereas it can help to ensure nuclear safeguards in 
those countries by passing on the benefits of its 
experience and to promote high safety standards for 
nuclear equipment design and maintenance by 
encouraging industrial cooperation; 
Whereas the establishment of an. effective and 
reliable safeguards system and the compliance of 
nuclear equipment and installations with 
internationally recognised high safety standards 
are priority areas for the negotiations on 
enlargement of the European Union; 
Whereas it is politically and economically desirable to 
open up the programme to associated Central and 
Eastern European countries, in accordance with the 
conclusions of the European Council held in 
Copenhagen in June 1994 and as stated in the 
communication on this subject presented to the 
Council by the Commission in May 1994, as well as 
to Cyprus; 
Whereas it is important to improve public 
information in the areas covered by the 
programme and to regularly inform the 
European Parliament and the Council on the 
implementation of the programme; 
Whereas the Treaty establishing the European 
Atomic Energy Community does not provide powers 
for the adoption of this programme other than those 
in Article 203; 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
Article 1 
I. Within the framework programme for actions 
in the energy sector a specific programme of 
actions in the nuclear sector, relating to the 
safe transport of radioactive materials and to 
safeguards and industrial cooperation to 
promote safety features of nuclear 
installations in countries participating in the 
TACIS programme, hereinafter referred to as 
"SURE", shall be implemented by the 
Community for the period 1998-2002. 
II. Apart from the priority objectives referred to 
in Article 1(2) of the Council decision 
adopting a multiannual framework 
programme for actions in the energy sector, 
the objectives of the SURE programme shall 
be: 
kS" 
A. to improve the conditions for the safe 
transport of radioactive materials in 
the European Community; 
B. to help to establish in countries 
participating in the TACIS programme 
an effective and reliable system of 
safeguards through cooperation 
measures; 
C. to promote cooperation with those 
countries and exchange of know-how 
within the nuclear industry in order to 
help them meet the internationally 
recognised high safety standards for 
nuclear equipment and installations. 
Article 2 
The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the 
budgetary authority within the limits of the financial 
perspectives. 
Article 3 
In order to achieve the objectives referred to in 
Article 1, the Community shall contribute in 
particular to the funding of actions which: 
1. in the field of the safe transport of radioactive 
materials: 
- facilitates the functioning of the internal 
market by identifying those harmonisation 
measures which are called for: 
help to improve legislation further by 
developing experimentation and 
know-how; 
evaluate technically incidents which have 
occurred during transport and learn the 
lessons for the future; 
H6 A. to improve the conditions for the safe 
transport of radioactive materials in 
the European Community; 
B. to help to establish in countries 
participating in the TACIS programme 
an effective and reliable system of 
safeguards through cooperation 
measures; 
C. to promote cooperation with those 
countries and exchange of know-how 
within the nuclear industry in order to 
help them meet the internationally 
recognised high safety standards for 
nuclear equipment and installations. 
Article 2 
The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the 
budgetary authority within the limits of the financial 
perspectives. 
Article 3 
In order to achieve the objectives referred to in 
Article 1, the Community shall contribute in 
particular to the funding of actions which: 
1. in the field of the safe transport of radioactive 
materials: 
- facilitates the functioning of the internal 
market by identifying those harmonisation 
measures which are called for; 
- help to increase safety standards by 
standardising requirements at a high 
level; 
- help to improve legislation further by 
developing experimentation and 
know-how; 
- help to improve cooperation and the 
exchange of information between the 
monitoring authorities in the EU and in 
the countries participating in the 
programme; 
- evaluate technically incidents which have 
occurred during transport and learn the 
lessons for the future; 
- propose a uniform, efficient system of 
obligations on the part of licence-
holders to report to the monitoring 
authorities in the event of an incident; 
- make transport emergency procedures 
more consistent and give those involved 
more training; 
- cooperate with countries participating in 
the TACIS programme to help them 
improve transport safety in their own 
countries; 
- improve public information, 
comprehension and awareness in this area. 
In the field of safeguards in countries participating 
in the TACIS programme: 
A. training, familiarisation, testing, 
retraining and technological upgrading of 
experts from those countries in the matter 
of nuclear safeguards; 
B. cooperation on the implementation of 
accounting and control systems for nuclear 
materials; 
C. installation of modern logistical, 
evaluation and control equipment and the 
training relating thereto. 
3. In the field of industrial cooperation on nuclear 
matters with the countries participating in the 
TACIS programme: 
A. analyse the industrial, administrative, legal 
and financial context specific to each of 
them; 
B. encourage industrial cooperation measures 
capable of transferring the European 
technologies for nuclear safety; 
C. facilitate the cooperation of partners from 
the European Community and countries 
participating in the TACIS programme in 
the development of joint industrial 
projects. 
Article 4 
The level of funding for the actions and measures 
referred to in Article 3 shall be between 80 and 100% 
of their total cost. - make transport emergency procedures 
more consistent and give those involved 
more training; 
- cooperate with countries participating in 
the TACIS programme to help them 
improve transport safety in their own 
countries; 
- improve public information, 
comprehension and awareness in this area. 
2. In the field of safeguards in countries participating 
in the TACIS programme: 
A. training, familiarisation, testing, 
retraining and technological upgrading of 
experts from those countries in the matter 
of nuclear safeguards; 
B. cooperation on the implementation of 
accounting and control systems for nuclear 
materials; 
C. installation of modern logistical, 
evaluation and control equipment and the 
training relating thereto. 
3. In the field of industrial cooperation on nuclear 
matters with the countries participating in the 
TACIS programme: 
A. analyse the industrial, administrative, legal 
and financial context specific to each of 
them; 
B. encourage industrial cooperation measures 
capable of transferring the European 
technologies for nuclear safety; 
C. facilitate the cooperation of partners from 
the European Community and countries 
participating in the TACIS programme in 
the development of joint industrial projects 
allowing the implementation of 
equivalent safety standards. 
Article 4 
The level of funding for the actions and measures 
referred to in Article 3 shall be between 80 and 100% 
of their total cost. 
3 Council Decision no of. 
</7 
Article 5 
1. The Commission shall be responsible for the 
financial execution and implementation of the 
SURE programme. 
2. To these ends, the Commission shall be assisted 
by the Committee referred to in Article 4 of the 
Council Decision adopting the multiannual 
framework programme for actions in the energy 
sector3. 
Article 6 
The examination and internal and external assessment 
of the implementation of this programme shall be 
carried out in accordance with Article 5 of the 
Council Decision adopting a multiannual framework 
programme for actions in the energy sector. 
Article 7 
The SURE programme shall be open to participation 
by associated Central and Eastern European 
countries (CEEC) in accordance with the conditions, 
including financial provisions, laid down in the 
additional protocols to the Association Agreements 
or in the Association Agreements themselves, 
relating to participation in Community programmes. 
The programme shall also be open to participation by 
Cyprus, on the basis of additional appropriations, 
under the same rules as those applied to EFTA/EEA 
countries, in accordance with procedures to be 
agreed with that country. 
Article 8 
This Decision shall enter into force on the 20th day 
following its publication in the Official Journal of the 
European Communities. Article 5 
1. The Commission shall be responsible for the 
financial execution and implementation of the 
SURE programme. 
2. To these ends, the Commission shall be assisted 
by the Committee referred to in Article 4 of the 
Council Decision adopting the multiannual 
framework programme for actions in the energy 
sector* . 
3. The Commission shall draw up each year a 
draft programme of actions to be undertaken 
during the following yean which is submitted 
to the Committee referred to in paragraph 2. 
The Commission shall regularly inform the 
European Parliament and the Council on the 
implementation of the programme; 
Article 6 
The examination and internal and external assessment 
of the implementation of this programme shall be 
carried out in accordance with Article 5 of the 
Council Decision adopting a multiannual framework 
programme for actions in the energy sector. 
Article 7 
The SURE programme shall be open to participation 
by associated Central and Eastern European 
countries (CEEC) in accordance with the conditions, 
including financial provisions, laid down in the 
additional protocols to the Association Agreements 
or in the Association Agreements themselves, 
relating to participation in Community programmes. 
The programme shall also be open to participation by 
Cyprus, on the basis of additional appropriations, 
under the same rules as those applied to EFTA/EEA 
countries, in accordance with procedures to be 
agreed with that country. 
Article 8 
This Decision shall enter into force on the 20th day 
following its publication in the Official Journal of the 
European Communities. 
k& 
Article 9 
This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 
Done at Brussels, For the Council 
The President Article 9 
This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 
Done at Brussels, For the Council 
The President 
(p<\ 

ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(98) 607 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 12 15 10 01 
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