A4-0142/97

Proposal for a Council Decision on the organization of cooperation around agreed Community energy objectives (COM(96)0431 - C4-0046/97 - 96/0218(CNS))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 2)

Recital 6

>Original text>

Whereas the RTD Framework Programmes based on the EC Treaty and the Euratom Treaty ensure the development of new energy technologies related to the non-nuclear and nuclear energy;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the RTD Framework Programmes based on the EC Treaty and the Euratom Treaty ensure the development of new energy technologies related to non-nuclear and nuclear energy; whereas they will concentrate on increasing efficiency and on renewable energy sources and, in the case of nuclear technologies, on safe techniques for final storage;

(Amendment 3)

Article 1, indents

>Original text>

- achieving a high level of competitiveness in the Community,

>Text following EP vote>

- achieving a high level of competitiveness in the Community,

>Original text>

- increasing security of supply,

>Text following EP vote>

- increasing security of supply,

>Text following EP vote>

- avoiding surplus capacity,

>Original text>

- protecting the environment,

>Text following EP vote>

- protecting the environment,

>Original text>

- promoting the rational and efficient use of energy resources and new and renewable energy,

>Text following EP vote>

- promoting the rational and efficient use of energy resources and new and renewable energy,

>Original text>

- promoting international energy cooperation and liberalization,

>Text following EP vote>

- promoting international energy cooperation and liberalization,

>Text following EP vote>

- securing initiatives, including those taken at national level, which are designed to promote and develop sustainable energy technologies,

>Original text>

- ensuring transparency of national and Community energy policy actions,

>Text following EP vote>

- ensuring transparency of national and Community energy policy actions,

>Original text>

- developing an analysis of and monitoring the energy market.

>Text following EP vote>

- developing an analysis of and monitoring the energy market,

>Text following EP vote>

- reducing energy consumption.

(Amendment 4)

Article 2(1)(-1) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

-1. the consideration of and preparation for the setting up of a European Climate Agency;

(Amendment 12)

Article 2(1)(5a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

5a. the development and rapid introduction of a taxation or incentive system commensurate with sustainable energy policy objectives.

(Amendment 5)

Article 2(2)

>Original text>

2. The Commission will examine the necessity of specific Community actions in support of measures taken in the Member States;

>Text following EP vote>

2. In the framework of its responsibilities under the Treaty, and in compliance with the principle of subsidiarity, the Commission will propose specific Community actions and/or programmes to attain the agreed energy policy objectives listed in the Annex. It will also examine the necessity of specific Community actions in support of measures taken in the Member States;

(Amendment 6)

Article 3(2)

>Original text>

2. The Commission will prepare on the basis of the information obtained, where appropriate, a report in the form of a Communication, on the compatibility of energy policies in the Member States and Community actions in the energy field with the agreed common energy objectives. This report shall be forwarded to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions;

>Text following EP vote>

2. The Commission will prepare on the basis of the information obtained, every two years, a report in the form of a Communication, on the compatibility of energy policies in the Member States and Community actions in the energy field with the agreed common energy objectives. The report shall also contain a comparative presentation of whether and to what extent the Member States have made progress towards the achievement of the agreed energy policy objectives. This report shall be forwarded to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions;

(Amendment 7)

Annex (1)

>Original text>

1. Energy policy at the Community level should contribute to the achievement of the various energy objectives set out in the Treaties, notably market integration, sustainable development, environmental protection and security of supply.

>Text following EP vote>

1. The priority objective of energy policy at Community level is to guarantee sustainable and environmentally acceptable development. Within this framework, energy policy measures shall be geared in particular to security of supply, reduction in energy consumption, market integration and environmental protection.

(Amendment 8)

Annex (3)

>Original text>

3. Transparent and undistorted energy prices should be guaranteed with the aim of ensuring that markets for all fuels in the Community work efficiently and are fully competitive.

>Text following EP vote>

3. Transparent energy prices should be guaranteed with the aim of ensuring that markets for all fuels in the Community work efficiently and - taking into account the goal of environmentally sustainable development - operate on the basis of fair competition.

(Amendment 9)

Annex (4)

>Original text>

4. In order to achieve the Treaty objective of sustainable development, energy and environmental objectives need to be integrated. Wherever possible the full cost of energy production and consumption should be reflected in the price. Economic non-fossil fuels such as renewables and nuclear, incorporating the highest safety standards, can make an important contribution to this goal.

>Text following EP vote>

4. In order to achieve the Treaty objective of sustainable development, energy and environmental objectives need to be integrated. The full cost of energy production and consumption must be reflected in the price on the basis of a standardized method of calculation, in particular with regard to the internalization of external costs. Economic non-fossil fuels such as renewables and an increase in energy efficiency can make an important contribution to this goal.

(Amendment 15)

Annex (6)

>Original text>

6. A coordinated approach to external energy relations in order to ensure free and open trade and a secure framework for energy investments. Cooperation with non-member countries should be developed to enhance energy security, to achieve environmental goals and to stimulate the development and dissemination of appropriate energy technologies to third countries.

>Text following EP vote>

6. A coordinated approach to external energy relations in order to ensure free and open trade and a secure framework for energy investments using the best possible environmentally acceptable technologies. Cooperation with non-member countries should be developed to enhance energy security, to achieve environmental goals and to stimulate the development and dissemination of appropriate energy technologies to third countries.

(Amendment 11)

Annex, paragraph after (8), indents

>Text following EP vote>

- harmonization of framework conditions,

>Text following EP vote>

- drawing up of a proposal for the introduction of an EC energy consumption tax,

>Original text>

- research and development and the dissemination of new and improved energy technologies,

>Text following EP vote>

- research and development and the dissemination of new and improved energy technologies,

>Original text>

- harmonizing the fiscal structure on energy products to avoid distortions,

>Text following EP vote>

- harmonizing the fiscal and environmental instruments on energy products to avoid distortions,

>Original text>

- applying the competition rules of the Treaties with a maximum of transparency and consistency,

>Text following EP vote>

- applying the competition rules of the Treaties with a maximum of transparency and consistency,

>Original text>

- standardization in the energy sector,

>Text following EP vote>

- standardization in the energy sector,

>Original text>

- monitoring of the internal market,

>Text following EP vote>

- monitoring of the internal market,

>Original text>

- instruments for cooperation and assistance with third countries,

>Text following EP vote>

- instruments for cooperation and assistance with third countries,

>Original text>

- development of cost-effective instruments for limiting the negative environmental side effects of the production, transport and use of energy.

>Text following EP vote>

- development of cost-effective instruments for limiting the negative environmental side effects of the production, transport and use of energy,

>Text following EP vote>

- formulation and acceptance of a chapter in the EU Treaty devoted to energy requiring sustainability, energy efficiency, conservation of resources and preservation of the environment.

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision on the organization of cooperation around agreed Community energy objectives (COM(96)0431 - C4-0046/97 - 96/0218(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(96)0431 - 96/0218(CNS) ((OJ C 27, 28.1.1997, p. 9.)),

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Article 130(3) of the EC Treaty (C4-0046/97),

- having regard to Rule 58 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Research, Technological Development and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Industrial Policy and the Committee on Legal Affairs and Citizens' Rights (A4-0142/97),

1. Approves the Commission proposal, subject to Parliament's amendments;

2. Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 189a(2) of the EC Treaty;

3. Calls for the conciliation procedure to be opened should the Council intend to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

4. Asks to be consulted again should the Council intend to make substantial modifications to the Commission proposal;

5. Instructs its President to forward this opinion to the Council and Commission.