Towards a European Energy Community?, Brussel - Hoofdinhoud

A Joint Parliamentary Meeting has been organised by the European Parliament and the Spanish Parliament (Cortes Generales) on the topic, 'Towards a European Energy Community for the 21st Century?'.

The event will be co-chaired by Mr. Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, Mr José Bono Martinez, President of the Spanish Congress of Deputies and Mr Francisco Javier Rojo Garcia, President of the Spanish Senate.

On the first day of the JPM two emminent academics, Mr. Marc van der Woude and Ms. Leigh Hancher, are expected to make a presentation based on their report entitled "Towards a European Energy Community: A Policy Proposal". In this report the two authors plead, among others, for a well-functioning liquid European energy market supported by state of the art integrated networks, corrected by price stabilisation measures and complemented by innovation policies.

The importance of the creation of a European Energy Community was made clear in a declaration adopted by President Buzek and the former EC President, Jacques Delors on 5 May.

The declaration stressed that "Europe needs a stronger, deeper, common energy policy. An energy policy which guarantees access to energy at reasonable and stable prices, which maintains our industrial competitiveness, and which promotes sustainable development and the transition to a low-carbon society. A policy which mobilises investments in order to unlock the business opportunities of tomorrow, and which ensures the security of supply for all Europeans."

The full declaration can be found following the 'Buzek and Delors Declaration' link.

Event

The event takes place in the Hemicycle in the Paul Henri Spaak building of the European Parliament, Brussels.

On Monday 7 June, participants will arrive from 10.00 onwards, and over lunch there will be meetings between the European Parliament political groups and members of national parliaments.

At 15.00, the plenary session will be opened by the three chairmen. Then, at around 15.20, the guest speakers will present their report, followed by a debate.

Finally, participants will split into three working groups to discuss specific thematic energy issues (17.00-19.00).

On Tuesday, the plenary session will restart from 09.30, beginning with the reports of the working groups.

Statements will then be made by the Presidency of the Council of the EU and by the European Commission, followed by a debate.

Concluding remarks by the chairmen are expected to close the event around 12.45.

For more information on event and times, please see Draft Programme link on left.