WRITTEN QUESTION E-2122/03

by Isabelle Caullery (UEN) to the Commission

(25 June 2003)

Subject: Development of renewable energy sources in Turkey

1. Can the Commission inform us of the various types of aid, measures, programmes and/or budget lines that can be used to promote the development of renewable energy sources, particularly wind energy, in Turkey?

Can the MEDA programme, Euromed, aid for SMEs, the new Euro-Mediterranean financial partnership instrument (FEMIP) and the other forms of aid granted to Turkey be called upon to contribute to promoting wind energy in Turkey?

2. Can the Commission also tell us what facilities are offered by the EIB to promote this type of energy in Turkey?

3. In its relations with Turkey, does the Commission try to promote the objective of the European directive whereby by 2010 12 % of the energy used in Europe will be from renewable sources?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(12 August 2003)

Commission assistance to Turkey is now directed through the pre-accession financial assistance programme (budget line B7-050). Assistance is provided in the form of institution building and investment and dedicated principally towards the priorities established in the Accession Partnership. One priority in the Accession Partnership is to establish a programme to reduce the energy intensity of the Turkish economy and to increase the use of renewable energy sources (RES). Therefore, assistance can be used for these purposes, although the Commission would not normally provide grant assistance to major revenue generating investments. Assistance may also be used to co-finance Turkey's participation in Community programmes and agencies, including the Intelligent Energy Europe multiannual programme 2003-2006. This programme promotes sustainable development in the energy market, focusing on energy efficiency (SAVE), the use of renewable energy sources (Altener) and energy diversification including transport (STEER).

The European Investment Bank (EIB) lends money for a range of major investments in infrastructure in Turkey, including in the energy, transport and water sector. Resources are provided mainly from the EuroMed envelope of the EIB's external lending mandate and from its pre-accession facility. The EIB has set itself an objective of doubling from 7,5 to 15 % the share of its global lending in favour of projects such as those involving renewable energy over the next four years.

The Commission's White Paper of 1997(1) sets down the overall objective of 12 % of energy use coming from renewable sources and establishes a strategy and action plan for the promotion of renewables in the European Union. The Directive 2001/77/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 27 September 2001 on the promotion of electricity produced from renewable energy sources in the internal electricity market(2) established as well national indicative targets by 2010 but for Member States and for the 10 Accession Countries which will become Member States in 2004. These reference values are indicated in the Annex of the Directive and will have to be fulfilled by all Member States before 2010. The Commission is closely monitoring the process of achieving these targets and will be able, if necessary, to put forward mandatory targets in 2004.

(1) COM(97) 599 final.

(2) OJ L 283, 27.10.2001.