No C 207/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 18. 8. 86 
The Economic and Social Committee decided to appoint Mr Zoli as rapporteur-general with the 
task of preparing its work on the subject. 
At its 237th plenary session (meeting of 22 May 1986) the Economic and Social Committee adopted 
the following opinion unanimously. 
General Comments 
1. The Committee approves the proposal to update 
Annex C of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3626/82 listing 
the species whose import is banned or strictly regulated. 
This involves transferring three species of butterfly from 
Part 1 to Part 2 of the Annex. 
2. The Commission considers that since these species 
are reared on ranches and are therefore not threatened with 
Done at Brussels, 22 May 1986. 
The Committee approves the draft regulation, but would 
make the following comments: 
1. General comments 
1.1. The Economic and Social Committee would stress 
that the Valoren programme is of vital importance to the 
less-favoured regions concerned. It also feels that the 
resulting experience will be of potential benefit to some 
developing countries. 
(>) OJ No C 358, 31. 12. 1985, p. 11. extinction, their import should no longer be banned but 
simply regulated. 
3. The Committee agrees with a policy which helps 
third-world countries to protect species threatened with 
extinction and give their economies an albeit minor boost, 
as an alternative to the senseless and environmentally-
damaging hunting of these species. 
4. The Committee hopes that similar measures can be 
adopted for other species which are seriously threatened 
with extinction. 
The Chairman 
of the Fxonomic and Social Committee 
Gerd MUHR 
1.2. The Committee believes it to be all the more 
imperative to promote a programme of this kind in view of 
the sliding price of oil and the dollar, which may 
temporarily make a policy to reduce the Community's 
dependence on imported energy appear less essential than it 
really is. 
1.3. The Committee is pleased to see that the Commis­
sion is treating the exploitation of indigenous energy 
potential in certain less-favoured regions as a priority target 
for funding under the new ERDE Regulation. These 
indigenous energies cause little damage to the environment 
and development seems particularly appropriate at the Opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation (EEC) instituting a Community programme 
for the development of certain less-favoured regions of the Community by exploiting 
indigenous energy potential (Valoren programme) (]) 
(86/C 207/11) 
On 3 February 1986 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under 
Article 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the abovementioned proposal 
for a Council Regulation (Valoren programme). 
The Section for Regional Development, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's 
work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 16 May 1986, in the light of the report by Mr Saiu. Prior 
to adopting its opinion, the Section took oral evidence from a representative of the Agence francaise 
pour la maitrise de l'energie (French Agency for the Management of Energy) and a representative of 
the Ente Nazionale Energie Alternative (Italian National Alternative Energies Board). 
At its 237th plenary session held on 21 and 22 May 1986 (meeting of 21 May 1986), the Economic 
and Social Committee unanimously adopted the following opinion. 
18. 8. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 207/29 
present juncture in the light of recent events in the nuclear-
energy sector, which should prompt Community author­
ities and the Member States to place greater emphasis on 
sources of energy fitting in with ecological and public-
safety considerations. 
1.4. The Committee would point out that to date, 
neither national nor Community energy policies have made 
an adequate contribution towards developing these regions 
or promoting new, renewable sources of energy. 
1.5. The Committee feels that attempts to boost 
development in these regions by tapping their indigenous 
energy potential will only have the desired effect if they are 
backed by efforts to prevent energy wastage. 
1.6. The Committee notes with satisfaction that the 
programme consists not of compensatory measures, but of 
initiatives designed to help these regions gain full benefit 
from Community policies. 
1.7. In the Committee's view, the introduction of the 
Valoren programme should have a direct effect on 
economic activity in these regions. 
1.8. The results will be all the more convincing if the 
small-firm and cooperative sectors are closely involved in 
exploitation of local energy resources, energy-saving and 
the promotion of substitute products. 
2. Examination of the Commission proposal 
2.1. The Committee shares the Commission's concern 
that the proposed programme should be consistent with the 
Community's overall energy objectives. 
This will require closer cooperation between Community 
programmes with similar aims and the dissemination and 
exploitation of technologies stemming from these pro­
grammes. 
2.2. At the same time, there should be a clear 
commitment to coordination with regional authorities and 
economic and social interest groups. 
2.3. Better mobilization of local energy resources and 
rational use of energy are keys to helping these regions to 
catch up. However, as they have had less opportunity to 
exploit their energy potential than the more heavily 
industrialized regions -— mainly due to lack of financial 
resources and a weaker industrial environment — they 
must be helped to make the best possible use of the funds at 
their disposal. First and foremost, they should be informed 
of the results of specific projects involving the use of 
alternative or renewable energies undertaken in other 
regions, especially by large firms. 2.4. The Committee approves the selected schemes and 
the criteria for eligibility. These schemes must help the 
inhabitants of the regions concerned to appreciate the 
Community's determination to step up the pace of 
development of their local economies. 
2.5. The Commission recommends energy efficiency. 
This requires complete familiarity with current problems 
and proven technologies capable of alleviating them. 
2.6. As tourism is an extremely important activity in 
most of the regions in question, the Committee hopes that 
the chosen measures encompass all associations, firms and 
individual concerns involved in tourism. 
2.7. In the Committee's view Valoren should concern 
itself with meeting actual energy requirements, e.g. during 
peak consumption periods. 
2.8. The Committee also thinks that Valoren should 
make use of feasibility studies carried out in connection 
with other programmes, thus freeing its own funds for 
establishing detailed energy budgets so that energy-saving 
plans can be worked out with the cooperation of the 
inhabitants of the regions concerned. 
2.9. The Committee approves of the principle of 
promoting (i) demonstration projects for the utilization of 
alternative energy sources, energy conservation, hydro­
carbon substitutes and (ii) industrial pilot projects on to the 
liquefaction and gasification of solid fuels (provided that 
these projects take account of environment-protection 
requirements). 
It hopes that in order for the regions concerned to benefit to 
the full, they will be informed in advance of the way things 
are already managed in heavily industrialized regions and 
in large firms, and in particular of the results of pilot 
projects, in order to draw full advantage from existing 
policies. 
3. Liaison 
3.1. The Committee notes with satisfaction that the 
Commission intends to adopt a coordinated and consistent 
approach. 
3.2. The Committee welcomes the Commission's 
recommendation that, when setting up the framework 
programme, regional programmes be drawn up with the 
cooperation of the regional authorities referred to in point 
5.7 of this opinion. The Committee is convinced that the 
regions will not be fully committed to these programmes 
unless they feel directly concerned and responsible within 
the limits laid down by national legislation. 
It is all the more necessary that the regions feel committed 
as the six-month deadline from the date of implementation 
of the Valoren regulation looks on the short side given these 
regions' limited capacity for action. If need be, this deadline 
should be extended. 
No C 207/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 18. 8. 86 
4. Information and promotion of the Community pro­
gramme 
4.1. The Committee agrees with the idea of sponsoring 
surveys to better identify opportunities for exploiting 
energy resources and using plant and equipment suited to 
local conditions. 
4.2. The Committee is in favour of the Commission 
providing technical assistance for SMEs and the craft 
sector, mainly by strengthening pilot centres. 
4.3. However, it considers that good training of 
employees, particularly in new-technology skills, is crucial 
to the smooth and efficient operation of such firms. 
This should consist primarily of practical training in 
demonstration centres set up under Valoren and the 
publication of non-specialist technical works. Extra funds 
should be sought from the European Social Fund to finance 
these specific training courses. 
4.4. The Committee agrees that the Commission should 
launch information drives to alert potential users to the 
possibilities. It remains convinced, however, that the 
reliability of the techniques proposed is the best advertise­
ment. 
5. Funding 
5.1. The Committee welcomes the priority given within 
ERDF to the Community programme for exploiting 
indigenous energy supplies. 
If economic strategies are to reduce the development lag of 
less-favoured regions, it is imperative that energy problems 
be brought under control. 
5.2. The Committee expresses its approval and draws 
attention to the fact that the Valoren programme is to be 
eligible for the highest contribution rate normally available 
under the new ERDF Regulation. 
5.3. The Committee welcomes the Commission's plans 
for close cooperation in financing these programmes. 
5.4. The Committee notes with satisfaction that joint 
financing by annual instalments will make for more 
vigorous deployment of available resources, and facilitate 
monitoring of their utilization. 
Nevertheless, it sincerely hopes that the allocation of funds 
and rates will be tailored to the particular circumstances of 
the regions concerned, so that funds can as far as possible 
be used to optimum effect. 
5.5. With this in mind, the Committee would opt for 
direct grants, which will be easier to monitor and more 
useful for those receiving assistance. It would, however, 
stress the need to respect the additional ity ('topping-up') 
requirement, to ensure that grants made under Valoren are 
not used for purposes other than those intended and do not 
prove to be insufficient. 5.6. The Committee is pleased to see that there is to be 
close liaison between the Commission and the competent 
national authorities, but would urge that the Commission, 
in agreement with the Member States, make every 
endeavour to secure the active participation of regional 
authorities. 
5.7. If measures are to be truly effective, Member States 
should, when formulating, implementing and running 
programmes at national level, operate through a technical 
back-up body (or agency). In addition to bodies appointed 
by the Member State, the regions concerned, the authorities 
responsible for deciding on national energy policies, 
national bodies set up to carry out other Community 
energy programmes (R & D, demonstration projects, etc.) 
and operator and consumer organizations should also 
participate in the work of these technical back-up agencies. 
Past experience has shown that such follow-up agencies 
should be set up on a fairly long-term basis. 
6. Conclusion 
6.1. The Committee feels that the Valoren programme is 
urgently needed by the less-favoured regions concerned. 
6.2. The theoretical and practical experience to be 
gained from a programme of this kind could prove useful in 
helping third-world countries to overcome their energy 
problems. 
6.3. The Committee also feels that, if successful, the 
Valoren programme could effectively contribute to the 
Commission's objective of tripling the use of new and 
renewable energies as a replacement for traditional forms 
of energy production. 
6.4. The Committee is delighted that the Commission's 
aim is for less-favoured regions to benefit from the 
Community's energy policy. This has not been the case in 
the past. 
6.5. The Committee feels that the choice of internation 
programmes should be guided by a cost-benefit analysis 
covering, for instance, the amortization of the infrastruc­
ture to be set up. 
6.6. According to the Committee, however, the intro­
duction of Valoren would be made easier and more 
satisfactory if a network were set up to mobilize energy 
resources and provide for their utilization, mainly by 
drawing up producer-consumer contracts. 
6.7. The technical back-up bodies or agencies referred 
to in point 5.7. should function over fairly lengthy periods 
to ensure that projects are monitored. 
They should have the opportunity of— and be capable of 
— updating Valoren projects. 
18. 8. 86 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 207/31 
6.8. The Committee hopes that the coherence sought by 
the Commission will be achieved by harmonizing national 
regulations. It would therefore ask the Commission to 
consider drawing up a regulation or directive designed to 
reduce the administrative obstacles which have arisen in the 
past. 6.9. The programme, and the proposal to award it the 
maximum amount provided for under the new ERDF 
Regulation, therefore meet with the Economic and Social 
Committee's full approval. It would however stress that, as 
is all too well-known, there is a chronic lack of resources 
where regional development is concerned. 
Done at Brussels, 21 May 1986. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Gerd MUHR 
Opinion on the communication and proposals (II.3, II.4) by the Commission to the Council 
on progress towards a common transport policy — maritime transport (!) 
(86/C 207/12) 
On 1 April 1985 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee under Article 
198 of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, on the abovementioned 
communication and proposals. 
On 26 July 1985, the Council asked the Committee to deliver its opinion on four of the six Annexes 
by November 1985 at the latest. These Annexes concern the following subjects: 
— Draft Council Regulation concerning coordinated action to safeguard free access to cargoes in 
ocean trades (Annex II.1); 
— Draft Council Regulation applying to the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime 
transport (Annex II.2); 
— Amendments to the proposal for a Council Regulation (EEC) laying down detailed rules for the 
application of Articles 85 and 86 of the Treaty to maritime transport (Annex II.5); 
— Draft Council Regulation on unfair pricing practices in maritime transport (Annex II.6). 
The Section for Transport and Communications, which was responsible for preparing the 
Committee's work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 13 November 1985. 
At its 231st plenary session (meeting of 27 November 1985) the Committee adopted by a 
unanimous vote its opinion on the four abovementioned Annexes. 
The Section for Transport and Communications adopted its opinion on the memorandum and the 
remaining Annexes II.3 and II.4 on 9 April 1986, in the light of the report by Mr Mols Sorensen, 
rapporteur and Mrs Bredima, co-rapporteur. 
At its 237th plenary session (meeting of 21 May 1986), the Economic and Social Committee 
adopted the following opinion with one vote against and three abstentions. 
(') OJ No C 212, 23. 8. 1985, pp. 2 to 21 (proposals only)