A4-0335/98

Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a multiannual programme of studies, analyses, forecasts and other related work in the energy sector (1998-2002) (ETAP programme) (COM(98)0423 - C4-0487/98 - 98/0233(CNS))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Recital 5a (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

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;

(Amendment 2)

Recital 8

>Original text>

Whereas some of these activities should be open to participation by international organisations responsible for energy matters, such as the International Energy Agency, bodies representing industry and certain third countries, in accordance with the rules governing the Community's relations with those organisations and countries;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas some of these activities should be open to participation by international organisations responsible for energy matters, such as the International Energy Agency, bodies representing industry

, European environmental organizations and associations and certain third countries, in accordance with the rules governing the Community's relations with those organisations and countries;

(Amendment 3)

Article 1(2) indent 2a (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

- to analyse and evaluate energy and competitiveness questions, in particular in the context of implementation of the internal energy market;

(Amendment 4)

Article 1(2), indent 2b (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

- to analyse and evaluate developments as regards the market share of renewable forms of energy with a view to reducing the EU's dependency on energy imports;

(Amendment 5)

Article 1(2), indent 4

>Original text>

- to analyse and evaluate energy market trends in Europe and the world;

>Text following EP vote>

-

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;

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision adopting a multiannual programme of studies, analyses, forecasts and other related work in the energy sector (1998-2002) (ETAP programme) (COM(98)0423 - C4-0487/98 - 98/0233(CNS))(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(98)0423 - 98/0233(CNS) ((OJ C 261, 19.8.1998, p. 6. )),

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Article 235 of the EC Treaty (C4-0487/98),

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

- having regard to its resolution of 14 November 1996 ((OJ C 362, 2.12.1996, p. 279.)) on the White Paper on 'An energy policy for the European Union¨, in which Parliament largely supported the policy priorities set out for the Community¨s energy policy,

- having regard to its resolution of 18 December 1997 ((OJ C 14, 19.1.1998, p. 178.)) on the Commission Communication on an 'Overall view of energy policy and actions¨ in which Parliament reiterated its support for the drawing up of an energy framework programme contributing to clarifying and focusing Community actions in this field,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Research, Technological Development and Energy (A4-0335/98),

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 on the Council to notify Parliament should it 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 the Commission.

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