WRITTEN QUESTION E-3577/00

by Riitta Myller (PSE) to the Commission

(17 November 2000)

Subject: Energy co-operation with Russia

Energy co-operation is one of the priority areas in relations between the European Union and Russia. The exploitation of Russia's gas and oil resources is also in the EU's interest, since it is dependent on energy imports from abroad. Conversely, Russia needs foreign investments for the construction of gas and oil wells. Energy co-operation was on the agenda at the recently held summit between the EU and Russia, at which it was decided to set up a high-level working party to look into the more effective exploitation of energy resources.

By what means does the Commission propose to emphasise the EU's northern dimension policy in energy co-operation with Russia, and how does it intend to ensure that the expertise and interests of the only EU country currently having a border with Russia are taken into account in the work of this new working party? How does the Commission propose to ensure that environmental criteria are complied with, for example as regards electricity imported from Russia and the transport of oil from Primorsk (Koivisto) in the Gulf of Finland?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(31 January 2001)

A Community-Russia strategic partnership on energy would satisfy a number of important mutual economic and political interests. Whereas Russia is one of the world's largest energy producers, the Community is one of the largest energy consuming regions in the world. Consequently, Russia is very significant in terms of its actual position and its potential as an energy supplier to Europe. Moreover, the Community has major assets regarding the management of its energy sector that could be usefully shared with Russia. It has developed advanced technologies and know-how and set up effective regulatory and institutional practices. A strategic energy partnership would also respond to a common political interest since there is a clear necessity for strengthened dialogue between producers and consumers of energy.

The aim of the Northern Dimension is to emphasise the strategic importance of Northern Europe and its long-term significance to the Community, whilst also supporting the enlargement process and co-operation with Russia. In June 2000, further to a proposal of the Commission, the Feira European Council adopted an action plan on the Northern Dimension. Its chapter on energy sets out a number of objectives with regard to the energy sectors of the countries concerned including Russia, notably promotion of efficient use and saving of energy, public and private partnerships, infrastructure investments and energy network development, all matters which should fall within the scope of the Community-Russia energy partnership. Consequently, the Northern Dimension will be fully integrated in the energy partnership, both initiatives being mutually supportive.

The energy partnership will fall within the Community-Russia Partnership and Co-operation Agreement which provides the framework for the relationship between both parties. Consequently, Member States will be fully associated with the process through existing procedures which ensure that their expertise and interests are taken into account provided of course they are in the Community's overall interest. In order to explore at technical level the components of the future co-operation, it has been decided to concentrate on four topics: energy strategies and balances, investment, infrastructure and technology, and energy efficiency and environment.

Environmental considerations will naturally be taken fully into account in the energy partnership with Russia including for infrastructure of energy transport. During meetings held with Russian officials, the Commission has already indicated that the project of the port of Primorsk should be carefully examined. The Community will generally insist on high environmental and safety standards whatever the form of energy concerned. Indeed, the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement has a sub-committee dealing with energy and environment in which both issues are monitored and discussed.