Trans-European energy networks: the external dimension

The European Parliament approved without debate the report by Mr Gordon ADAM (PSE, UK), on the communication from the Commission on the external dimension of trans-European energy networks. In its resolution, Parliament makes a number of observations concerning the communication and calls on the Commission to fulfil its commitment to provide information regarding the technical specification of the projects of mutual interest which feature in the annexes of the proposal establishing guidelines relating to trans-European energy networks (in particular amendments affecting the projects referred to in Decisions 1254/96/EC and 1047/97/EC) - to regulate the use of funds earmarked for TACIS, PHARE, MEDA and SYNERGY, EIB loans or EIF loan guarantees so as to give priority with regard to regional oil pipeline networks to the promotion of interconnections, interoperability and the development of natural gas and electricity networks defined as being of mutual interest, the criterion being an increase in the Community's security supply under the quantity, quality and price conditions which most closely meet the requirements of economic policy. - to improve electricity interconnections with the Mediterranean Basin and natural gas connections with the Balkan and Baltic regions; - to provide additional financial support for environmental protection measures in connection with trans-European projects; - identify technical bottlenecks in the trans- and pan-European network, for example by completing the 'Baltic ring', establishing a new electric connection between Germany and the Baltic countries through Poland (a marine cable has already been laid from Finland to Sweden and Sweden is already connected to Denmark and Germany). Finally, Parliament indicates that it is not in favour of trans-European natural gas networks since the cost of long distance transport through gas pipelines may be very high. It proposes the development of a virtual network for the supply of natural gas in liquid form rather than a gas pipeline network so as to avoid the Union being dependent on suppliers in areas in danger of political instability. �