A4-0047/95

Proposal for a Council Decision laying down a series of measures aimed at creating a more favourable context for the development of trans-European networks in the energy sector (COM(93)0685 - C3-0085/94 - 94/0010(SYN))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Recital 1a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas, in order to complete the single market in energy, measures must be incorporated in a common energy strategy which specifies not only the main criteria and objectives of the European Union in this field but also, and in particular, the conditions for liberalisation of the market in energy products;

(Amendment 2)

Recital 1b (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the construction and development of trans-European networks in the energy sector will help to reduce energy supply costs and thus contribute to a higher rate of economic growth and more employment and enhance the competitiveness of the European economy;

(Amendment 3)

Recital 3

>Original text>

Whereas, in order to speed up completion of projects of common interest identified by Decision 94/.../EC, it is necessary to provide the Community with the possibility of supporting, from the financial resources allocated specifically to trans-European networks, the financial efforts made by the Member States in favour of such projects, particularly in the form of aid for feasibility studies and, where appropriate, loan guarantees or interest-rate subsidies;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas, in order to speed up completion of projects of common interest identified by Decision 94/.../EC, it is necessary to provide the Community with the possibility of supporting, from the financial resources allocated specifically to trans-European networks, the financial efforts made by the Member States in favour of such projects, particularly in the form of aid for economic, social and technical feasibility studies and, where appropriate, loan guarantees or interest-rate subsidies;

(Amendment 4)

Article 2(1), introductory phrase

>Original text>

1. In order to contribute to creating a more favourable technical, administrative and legal context for the development of trans-European networks, the Community shall promote:

>Text following EP vote>

1. In order to contribute to creating a more favourable technical, administrative and legal context for the development of trans-European networks, the Community attaches the greatest importance to and shall promote:

(Amendments 5 and 8)

Article 3(2)

>Original text>

2. shall take account of the projects of common interest identified in Decision 94/.../EC in interventions by its funds, instruments and financial programmes applicable to these networks, within the terms of their own rules and finalities.

>Text following EP vote>

2. shall take account of the projects of common interest identified in Decision 94/.../EC in interventions by its funds, instruments and financial programmes applicable to these networks, within the terms of their own rules and finalities. Priority shall be given to trans-European energy networks which promote, in particular, development of economic and social cohesion within the general criterion of viability, taking into account economic, social and technical factors.

(Amendment 6)

Article 4(1)

>Original text>

1. In the implementation of the actions referred to in Article 2, the Commission shall be assisted by the committee established by Article 7(1) of Decision 94/.../EC.

>Text following EP vote>

1. In the implementation of the actions referred to in Article 2, the Commission shall be assisted by an advisory committee consisting of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission.

>Original text>

The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft, within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission representative shall submit to the committee and to the European Parliament a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a period which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.

>Original text>

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.

>Text following EP vote>

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 minutes shall be forwarded to the European Parliament.

>Original text>

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.

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the committee and any observations of the European Parliament. It shall inform the committee and the European Parliament of the manner in which their opinions have been taken into account.

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision laying down a series of measures aimed at creating a more favourable context for the development of trans-European networks in the energy sector (COM(93)0685 - C3-0085/94 - 94/0010(SYN))

(Cooperation procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(93)0685 - 94/0010(SYN) ((OJ C 72, 10.3.1994, p. 15.)),

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Articles 189c and 129d(3) of the EC Treaty (C3-0085/94),

- 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 Budgets, the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Industrial Policy (A4-0047/95),

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 incorporate Parliament's amendments in the common position that it adopts in accordance with Article 189c(a) of the EC Treaty;

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

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

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