Piebalgs presenteert rapport over vier jaar energiedialoog met Rusland (en)
Since its launch in 2000, the energy dialogue between the European Union and the Russian Federation has yielded positive results. It has provided a framework for the resolution of a number of potential energy problems between the two sides and has made a significant contribution to strengthening the security of energy supply to the EU. These are the findings of a report by the European Commission into the functioning of this dialogue up to now.
Andris Piebalgs, European Commissioner for Energy said: "In four years, this dialogue has developed into a true partnership which today offers wider prospects to go beyond the narrow questions of energy products and extends to problems related to transport and the environmental impact of the energy sector. It is very effective and worthwhile experience on which we can further develop our relations in the energy field with Russia and also use it as a model for similar dialogue with other energy - producing countries."
Launched at the EU-Russia summit in 2000, this dialogue has provided a framework for covering a whole range of energy issues:
It has opened the way to European investment in the Russian energy market and provided a forum for tackling difficulties faced by Russian companies when trying to enter the single market.
Differences between the two parties regarding the territoriality clauses in supply contracts, and restrictions on the import of gas and petrol were dealt with in this framework. This included the preservation of long-term contracts for the supply of gas, an important factor in the security of supply, and the deletion of measures that went against EU competition rules.
Particular emphasis was placed on the physical security of the transport of energy supplies, to address pollution risks. The Russian Federation has increased its controls on oil tankers and backed efforts by the EU to get international backing for similar measures through the International Maritime Organisation. Current negotiations regarding linking Galileo and Glonass will also strengthen the security of transport infrastructure.
Negotiations are continuing with a view to reaching an agreement on trade in nuclear materials.
Measures are being discussed to reduce the energy dependency of the Russian enclave of Kalinigrad.
The Commission also presents the Member States with options for the future.
That means extending the dialogue to such priorities as co-operation on energy efficiency and technology transfer, following the Russian ratification of the Kyoto Protocol; support for reform of the energy sector in Russia; promoting and protecting investments; the creation of a pan-European market in gas and electricity; and fostering ground, as opposed to maritime, transportation of petrol, via pipelines and the rail network.
As the largest producer of fossil fuels and uranium, Russia is an important partner for the EU and the energy dialogue is designed to ensure the best possible co-operation between the two parties at political, administrative and industrial level.
The Commission has also published the fifth progress report, jointly established by the two parties:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy/russia/joint_progress/doc/progress5_en.pdf