Trans-European energy networks: guidelines

Adopting the report by G. ADAM, the committee tabled amendments calling for: - rational production, distribution and use of energy resources with a view to sustainable development; it also highlighted the need to make the most of renewable energy resources; - initiatives to be incorporated into a common energy strategy specifying the criteria and the objectives of the EU and defining how the energy market is to be liberalised; - interconnections between transport, electricity and gas networks and third countries to comply with the European Energy Charter; - the viability of projects of common interest to be examined not just on the basis of economic factors but also on the basis of social and technical factors in order to strengthen economic and social cohesion and environmental protection; - the European Parliament to be consulted on any changes to priority projects (projects recommended by the CHRISTOPHERSEN group and confirmed by the Essen European Council); - the Commission to be assisted by an advisory committee; - plans to be made for a Baltic ring (electricity interconnection), the interconnection of Corsica/Sardinia and the Italian peninsula (natural gas) and for gas pipes in Scandinavia and the Baltic states.�