Nieuwe opzet overleg EU-Rusland over energie (en)

Russian Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko and Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs have agreed on restructuring the EU-Russia Energy Dialogue thematic groups. This was discussed and confirmed at the bilateral meeting that top energy officials of the EU and the Russian Federation held today to evaluate latest developments in bilateral energy relations. The new groups will address such issues as (i) Energy strategies, Forecasts and Scenarios, (ii) Market Developments and (iii) Energy efficiency. "Since 2000, the EU-Russia Energy Dialogue has been a constructive forum for developing energy cooperation which benefits both parties. I expect the new working groups will start working as soon as June this year and provide a significant contribution in order to deepen our energy relationship", Commissioner Piebalgs said.

Commissioner Piebalgs and Minister Khristenko also exchanged their views on a possible setting up of an early warning mechanism for energy crises in order to prevent energy supply disruptions.

The meeting also covered common interest issues like the development of infrastructure projects, including the Druzhba pipeline, and the priority for cooperating in the field of energy efficiency.

This is the first time that Commissioner Piebalgs has met Minister Khristenko since the European Council of 9 March in which Member States endorsed "European Energy for Europe". The discussion also contributed in preparing the forthcoming EU-Russia Summit on 18 May 2007.

More information on EU-Russia Energy Dialogue:

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/russia/index_en.htm