Energy: natural gas, security of supply

The European Parliament adopted a resolution by Peter MOMBAUR (EPP-ED, D) making several amendments to the Commission's proposal. (Please see the document dated 09/09/03.) Members deleted the provisions in the proposal related to the establishment of a European Observation system for supply of hydrocarbons to assist in the preparation of legislation in the field of gas supply. Members also deleted a provision where the Commission might address a Recommendation to Member States to take measures to assist Member States affected by disruption to the supply. Instead, where as a result of: -interruptions of supplies along individual transport routes, or -a halt to supplies from an entire natural gas-producing country or countries, an extraordinary situation arises which cannot be handled by the market participants and the Member States, even in cooperation with other market participants or Member States, the Member States affected may notify this to the Commission. The latter may hold consultations with the Member States and undertakings, take other appropriate measures and, where necessary, by a decision adopted pursuant to the relevant provisions, ask other Member States to take special measures. The decision must guarantee the payment of compensation geared to current market rates.�