http://www.euractiv.com/en/energy
EU's energy future takes centre stage
In Short: The 30 October EU-Russia Energy Dialogue Conference and a new report by the High-Level Group Competitiveness-Energy-Environment demonstrate that energy issues have become the EU's number-one priority.
Geopolitics of EU energy supply
In Short: As one of the world's largest importers of oil, gas and coal, the EU is a major player on the international energy market. However, it remains a dwarf on the political stage as member states keep the upper hand on foreign policy. With external dependence on imports forecast to grow steadily, the EU has started to integrate energy aspects into relations with third countries. EurActiv brings an overview of relations with key regions for supply and transit.
Energy Green Paper: What energy policy for Europe?
In Short: The EU Commission opened the debate on a future common European Energy Policy with the publication of a 'Green Paper' in March 2006. Suggestions include completing the opening of European gas and electricity markets and stepping up relations with major suppliers such as Russia and OPEC. Other key suggestions include boosting renewable energies, energy efficiency, and research on low-carbon technologies. However, EU member states have already made clear that they would not tolerate interference with national sovereignty, especially when it comes to making tough political choices such as opting for nuclear power.
Energy, competitiveness and the environment
In Short: Since 2005, rising energy prices have started hitting both households and industrial consumers, threatening European jobs and economic growth. Reasons include instability in major oil and gas supplying regions. But domestic factors also play a role, upon which the EU has direct influence. At EU level, a group of top regulators and industry executives was set up to tackle the most urgent challenges and advise the Commission on policy initiatives related to energy, competitiveness and the environment. The need for massive new investments in generation and transmission capacity as well as addressing shortcomings in the EU gas and electricity markets features high among the challenges. The EU emissions trading scheme to fight global warming is also being reviewed to make sure it does not put European industries at a disadvantage over international competitors.
http://ec.europa.eu/research/energy/index_en.htm
In Short: The European Union (EU) is committed to realising a European Research Area (ERA) in the field of energy research. In this context, the European Commission (EC) both develops Sustainable Energy Systems policy and implements the EU's multi-annual research Framework Programmes.Sustainable Energy Systems (SES) research addresses the EU policy objectives of achieving more sustainable energy systems and services. It is of great strategic importance to the EU in both the short and the longer term.
