Energy: Europe and Asia cooperation strategy

The Committee has adopted the report by Mr Ulf HOLM (S, Greens) on the Commission communication on Europe-Asia cooperation strategy for energy. The draftsman welcomed the communication, but also expressed his concern that as wealth increases in Asia, there is likely to be more use of polluting goods, such as oil fuelled vehicles, refrigerators and air conditioning units which can be particularly damaging to the environment. The Commission was called on to pursue dialogue with the Asian partners concerned with the aim of reducing risks to the environment. The Commission should take steps to conclude treaties with individual Asian countries which will lead to a verifiable strategy to cut CO2 emissions. The EU should actively encourage the development and use of renewable energy sources in Asia, placing particular importance on improved use of firewood, water, waste-matter, solar and wind energy. The Committee advocated the promotion of small-scale projects in order to minimise the impact on the environment and indigenous communities. Finally, the Commission was called on to draft a green paper concerning the situation in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Mongolia and other countries).�