A4-0134/97

Resolution on the Commission communication 'Europe-Asia cooperation strategy for energy' (COM(96)0308 - C4-0495/96)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission communication (COM(96)0308 - C4-0495/96),

- having regard to its resolution of 14 June 1995 on the Commission communication 'Towards a new Asia strategy' ((OJ C 166, 3.7.1995, p. 64.)),

- aving regard to its resolution of 14 November 1996 on the Commission White Paper 'An energy policy for the European Union' ((OJ C 362, 2.12.1996, p. 279.)),

- having regard to directives and priorities adopted by the Council (Regulation (EEC) No 443/92 on financial and technical assistance to, and economic cooperation with, the developing countries in Asia and Latin America ((OJ L 52, 27.2.1992, p. 1.)), the Fourth Framework Programme in the field of research and technology (Decision No 1110/94/EC of 26 April 1994) ((OJ L 126, 18.5.1994, p. 1.)), the proposal for a Regulation adopting a multiannual programme to promote international cooperation in the energy sector (COM(95)0197)),

- having regard to the calls made by the Council to the Commission to submit proposals for practical initiatives concerning energy cooperation within the framework of the new Asia strategy,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Research, Technological Development and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on External Economic Affairs and the Committee on Development and Cooperation (A4-0134/97),

A. whereas the energy market in Asia is set to grow rapidly over the next 15 years and whereas, in the year 2005, Asia could be consuming 28% of the world's energy,

B. whereas existing technologies, such as coal and nuclear energy, and future major projects, such as major hydropower plants, could destroy valuable ecological sites and contribute to the disappearance of indigenous populations' cultures and habitats; whereas the reduction of such risks is in the interest not only of Asia but also of Europe,

C. whereas some of the major hydropower projects in several Asian countries could disturb, and hence damage, their ecosystems,

D. whereas energy is of particular significance to women in rural communities, given that they are often responsible for the collection of fuels and for the preparation of food in smoky surroundings,

E. whereas countries such as Bhutan and Nepal consumed the equivalent of 20 kg of oil per capita in 1994, while others such as China, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore consume more than 600 kg of oil equivalent per capita, compared with 4000 kg for Europe and about 8000 kg for the USA,

F. in view of the conclusions reached with respect to the protection of the environment at the Rio Summit,

1. Welcomes the fact that the Commission wishes to establish a dialogue on energy policy with the countries of Asia;

2. Points out that the Commission's communication is quite right to raise the issue of cooperation between the EU and Asia on the subject of energy, but that it relates only to the EU's strategy for energy cooperation with Asia and not that of Europe as a whole; calls on the Commission to pursue the dialogue with the aim of preventing risks to humanity and the environment;

3. Criticizes the insufficient analysis of the current energy situation in the countries of Asia;

4. Recalls its previous statements that while a general framework for Asia is necessary, a differentiated approach to the various countries and trading entities in Asia is essential;

5. Believes it essential that, if joint implementation has proved effective, the Commission should take steps to conclude treaties with individual Asian countries which will lead to a verifiable strategy to cut CO2 emissions;

6. Expects the Commission to make practical proposals and suggestions as to how energy ventures in Asia can be financed;

7. Expects the OECD member states, in particular the USA, Japan and Canada, to coordinate closely their policies on Asia, especially in the areas of security of supply and the environment;

8. Calls on the Commission to ensure better coordination of energy policy among its various directorates-general;

9. Believes that, in cooperation between the EU and Asia, protection of the global environment, together with increased security of supply and participation in Asian energy markets, must not take second place to the justified desire for increased energy supplies and must be the top priorities in energy cooperation between the EU and Asia;

10. Calls on the Commission to ensure that cooperation also embraces training and research and urges the Council not to oppose the necessary increase in appropriations;

11. Believes that the EU should actively encourage the development and use of renewable energy sources in Asia and places particular importance on improved use of firewood, water, waste-matter, solar energy and wind energy;

12. Advocates, as regards hydropower, that the emphasis be placed on smaller- scale projects in order to minimize the impact on the environment and indigenous communities;

13. Believes that one of the EU's priorities, as regards the nuclear energy programmes under way in Asia, must be to support international efforts to ensure maximum safety in the peaceful use of nuclear energy;

14. Emphasizes that energy saving and improvements in energy efficiency in Asia are an essential objective of cooperation between the EU and Asia;

15. Notes that, as wealth increases, there is likely to be more use of potentially polluting goods, such as oil-fuelled vehicles and refrigerators and air conditioning units which can be particularly damaging to the environment. The production of cleaner and greener goods and methods should be examined. Asian countries have seen the problems polluting countries have caused for themselves and the world and have the opportunity to avoid this pitfall;

16. Supports and stresses the Commission's objective of according priority to decentralized solutions for the electrification of rural areas and the urban peripheral areas;

17. Asks the Commission to give high priority to the development of sources of energy in rural communities which would relieve women of the difficulties and health hazards involved in the use of fuels such as firewood and dung and would give access to electricity for water pumps and refrigerators for vaccines;

18. Points out that energy cooperation also encompasses research and transport; notes the importance of the export of environmentally sound technologies and the exchange of technology; considers that European knowledge and technologies in the fields of efficient use of energy sources and protection of the environment against pollution could be largely exported in Asia for the benefit of both Asia and Europe;

19. Calls on the Commission to study the progress made by various Asian countries as regards their own energy research and to develop collaboration on research and exchanges of researchers which would yield added value for both Asia and the EU;

20. Calls on the Commission to minimize any further increases in CO2 emissions in Asia and to strive to reduce CO2 emissions in Europe;

21. Calls on the Commission to draw up a Green Paper, as it did in the case of the 70 developing countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (the ACP countries), on energy cooperation in Asia, in order to initiate a similar debate as the 21st century approaches; believes that the first chapter of what would be an extremely rewarding venture should be devoted to central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Mongolia) because of their geographical proximity to Europe;

22. Calls on the Commission, given the need for private-sector involvement in the development of Asia's energy supplies, which has been held back by the shortcomings of current legislative and institutional frameworks, to set in motion the procedures relating to the partnership and cooperation agreements which are awaiting ratification, where this is feasible and subject to compliance with democratic standards and human rights principles;

23. Recalls that an essential requirement, if Europe-Asia cooperation on energy is to bear fruit, is that it should provide mutual benefits via a symbiotic process;

24. Welcomes the fact, given that Europe-Asia cooperation on energy is a crucial issue, that the Commission has acknowledged the need to increase significantly the funding earmarked by the Community for this area;

25. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.