Energy sector: Euro-Mediterranean partnership

In adopting the report by Mr Umberto SCAPAGNINI (UPE, I), Parliament called for the Euro-Mediterranean cooperation and partnership strategy to be implemented swiftly in the energy policy sphere. It proposed that the Energy Charter Treaty should include non-Union countries which have entered into the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. It called for encouragement to be given to investment in solar energy (particularly photovoltaic panels technology), cooperation between power stations incorporating desalination systems, and projects to develop interconnections of energy systems. It emphasized that in view of the inter-dependence between the EU countries and the Mediterranean partners in the areas of energy supply, environmental protection, infrastructures development, trade relations, etc. the cooperation strategy for energy policy would enable a more secure balance to be struck in population and socio-economic terms, thereby benefiting the stability being sought for the Mediterranean area as a whole. It proposed that a Euro-Mediterranean Training Institute should be based in a Member State. It would transfer technology, design and operate pilot systems aimed at ensuring sustainable development in the Mediterranean countries. It called on the Commission to embark on a demonstration pilot project and to propose that a Mediterranean agency be set up to galvanize information, training and support efforts aimed both at organizations and at SMUs. �