[autom.vertaling] De EU en Rusland komen overeen om samenwerking in de elektriciteitssector te versterken (en)

The interconnection of the electricity systems of the EU and Russia and the establishment of a common European electricity market was recognised as a priority for the energy development strategies of both partners at a bilateral round table on electricity held in Moscow on 16 October. Francois LAMOUREUX, European Commission Director General for Transport and Energy, led the EU delegation. Victor KHRISTENKO, Vice-Prime Minister, and Anatoli CHUBAIS, CEO of RAO UES, headed the Russian side. The round table was held in the context of the Conference on Comparative analysis of European and Russian Energy Strategies.

The round table opened up a new perspective for a more profound cooperation in the electricity sector, as well as for the further successful development of the EU-Russia Energy Dialogue. The chairmen of the round table expressed their support for the efforts aimed at solving the issue of a synchronous interconnection of both electricity systems on a mutually acceptable basis. Mr Khristenko stressed the objective of making a final decision on the interconnection issue by 2007.

The participants stressed that the integration of electricity markets will bring substantial benefits in terms of the development of free competition, improvement of security of electricity supply and the creation of new opportunities for business cooperation. They also recognised that the integration will require equivalent rules as regards the degree of market opening, regulation of network access and unbundling, as well as comparable environmental and safety standards for electricity production, including nuclear safety.

The participants also stated that efficient market integration would require setting up the technological infrastructure necessary for joint operation of the electricity systems of Russia and the EU countries. As a first step towards the implementation of the electricity systems interconnection a working group has already been set up to examine the current situation in this area, also with regard to environmental rules. Mssrs Lamoureux and Chubais agreed to launch and co-finance a feasibility study on the synchronous interconnection of the UCTE and IPS/UPOS systems.

Press and Information Section of the Delegation of the European Commission to Russia Telephone (095) 721-20-09 / 06, fax (095) 721 20 20

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