Energy : European strategy for the security of supply. Green Paper

This report presents an overview of the responses to the Commission's Green Paper on energy supply received until the end of October 2001. The report analyses the reponse to the Green Paper and describes the arguments which hve been put forward by contributors to the debate - both those who have submitted written responses and those who participated in discussions with the Commission. In total, 128 responses were received until 28 October 2001. Overall, the Commission's Green Paper on energy supply security has been very well received. A wide variety of participants from many industrial fields and from all Member States have responded to the Green Paper. It has been supported by events, electronic and paper information and individual meetings throughout the Member States and in third countries. Although European level and energy associations dominate the responses, efforts have been made to include individuals, smaller consumers and non-energy sectors through events and the use of the Internet. Responses to the Green Paper have welcomed the relevance, content, objectve and timing of the Green Paper. It is generally agreed that the Green Paper is right to treat the issue of energy supply in all its dimensions, including energy policy more generally. It is also commonly thought that the twin pressures of climate change and liberalised energy markets increase the urgency for EU strategies in the energy supply area. Wide international developments since the publication of the Green Paper, including the uncertainties created by the aftermath of 11 September attacks in the US, have confirmed one of the key messages of the Green paper, namely there is an urgent need for adequate strategies to manage longer and short term risks to security of supply. At the time of writing, the debate was still open. Among other developments, the Commission is looking forward to receiving written responses from those Member States who have not yet responded formally. The proposed full report on the debate in spring 2002 and paper on energy supply security for the European Council in March 2002 will consider the political orientations for a future strategy.�