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Written Statement on the Energy Council

Written Statement on the Energy Council.

Member

Brian Wilson (Labour)

Department

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written statements

Date

21 May 2003

Reference

405 c39-40WS

House

House of Commons

Dept of Trade and Industry

Statement non what the outcome was of the Energy Council held in Brussels on 25th November; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement.

Asked by

Jim Hood (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

25 November 2002

For answer on

2 December 2002

Answered on

2 December 2002

Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Energy Council held in Brussels on 25 November; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [84004] Mr. Wilson: I represented the UK at the EU Energy Council in Brussels on 25 November. The Council considered several matters of interest to the United Kingdom. Chief among these was the internal market in electricity and gas on which there was agreement to full market opening by mid 2007. During the discussion of the Gas and Electricity Directives, all member states agreed on the need for a firm date for full market opening, though one member state said that a final date should be subject to an interim review by the Commission. The final agreement provides for the opening of the industrial and commercial market by mid 2004 and the opening of the market for all remaining consumers by mid 2007. In discussions of the key issue of legal unbundling, the European Commission underlined that legal unbundling of distribution system operators and transmission system operators was a minimum requirement of a liberalised market while pointing out that it did not entail separate ownership of distribution and production. Some member states thought other approaches could also achieve the overall objective of market transparency and access to networks--arguing that member states should be allowed to retain measures having an equivalent effect to legal unbundling. The UK, supported by most other member states, disagreed and made it clear that legal unbundling was an essential part of the final package. The overwhelming evidence was that legal unbundling was essential to the development of a liberalised market with little evidence that alternative approaches would work as effectively. The final agreement provide for legal unbundling of transmission system operators by mid 2004 and legal unbundling of distribution system operators by mid 2007. A Commission report published in 2006 will review the progress made towards liberalisation. It will also provide member states with the opportunity to request a derogation from the legal unbundling requirement for distribution if they can show that equivalent measures are just as effective. However, any such derogation will have to be decided by co-decision. A Regulation on cross-border exchanges in electricity was also agreed as part of the compromise. Revised criteria on support to projects under the Trans European Networks (TENS) energy programme were agreed. Discussion of the EU's Intelligent Energy for Europe proposal, which provides for a new four-year programme of support for renewable energy and energy efficiency, centred on the budget. Agreement was reached on a figure of 190 meuro, a compromise between the 255 meuro sought by the European Parliament and the 150-160 meuro preferred by several member states. Most member states supported the stated objectives of the Commission's Cogeneration proposal, which seeks to promote the cogeneration of heat and power in order to reduce energy demand as a means to both reduce dependency on external supplies of energy and contribute to the achievement of carbon savings, but thought the 50 MW upper limit on support restrictive, illogical and counterproductive, and that the proposal involved bureaucratic and costly compliance burdens. The proposal will be taken forward by the Greek presidency. Member states agreed on presidency conclusions on the follow-up to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg. The Commission made a presentation on its package of nuclear proposals, comprising directives on nuclear safety and waste management together with a proposal for an agreement between Euratom and Russia covering trade in nuclear materials. The Commission justified this largely on the grounds of EU enlargement and the need to reassure public opinion on safety and waste management. Although discussion had not been envisaged, several member states expressed doubts about the treaty base for the proposals, stressing the political sensitivity. One noted that the Euratom Treaty did not provide the Community with competence on nuclear safety, and challenged the proposals as unrealistic. The Council noted Commission progress reports on the EU-Russia energy dialogue (with adoption of conclusions), the Energy Charter Treaty and the Northern Dimension. Greece gave a presentation on its presidency priorities. It will concentrate on four main areas: security of energy sources (energy TENS and the EU's proposed oil and gas stocking directives); sustainable development (cogeneration directive and follow-up to Johannesburg); co-operation with third countries (EU- Russia, Energy Charter Treaty, Euro-Med and North Eastern Europe); and continuation of work on the nuclear package.

Date

2 December 2002

Reference

84004; 395 c512-3W;395 c511-3W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Trade and Industry

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what matters in respect of nuclear power policy are on the agenda for the EC Energy and Industry Council on 25th to 26th November. - Includes ref to http://europa.eu.int/comm/nuclear/new-package.htm.

Asked by

Llew Smith (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

26 November 2002

Reference

83248; 395 c223W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Trade and Industry

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on the outcome of the Energy Council on 4th October.

Asked by

Helen Jackson (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

16 October 2002

Reference

390 c828-9W;390 c848-9W; 74946

House

House of Commons

Dept of Trade and Industry

Statement on the outcome of the Energy Council on 30th May. (In Library Dep No 00/823).

Asked by

Colin Pickthall (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

7 June 2000

For answer on

8 June 2000

Answered on

8 June 2000

Mr. Pickthall: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Energy Council on 30 May. [125577] Mrs. Liddell: The Council considered several matters of interest to the United Kingdom. The centre-piece of the Council was a structured debate on energy liberalisation where the Commission presented a paper outlining progress on building a single energy market with proposals for accelerating liberalisation. Ministers were asked to comment on measures needed to monitor progress, further harmonisation requirements, social implications and public service obligations. The UK welcomed the Lisbon agreement on accelerating liberalisation, called for 100 per cent. liberalisation by a specific date and supported further structural measures including unbundling and regulated third party access. The UK circulated a report on the UK's experience of the social effects of energy liberalisation aimed at providing the Council with a balanced analysis of social effects of energy liberalisation. Also the UK/Netherlands circulated preliminary results of a joint study providing both qualitative and quantitative data on the development of competition in gas and electricity markets across Europe and urged the Commission to take this work forward. The Commission and most member states welcomed this work. Copies of both documents have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The Council adopted conclusions welcoming progress on implementation of the electricity directive and the agreement of the European electricity regulatory forum on a cross border transmission pricing mechanism, effective from 1 October, and acknowledged that further work was needed on congestion management. On gas the conclusions noted the work of the European gas regulatory forum. In addition, the Commission presented a draft proposal on access for renewables to the internal electricity market and an energy efficiency action plan. The UK welcomed both dossiers identified as priorities in the UK Presidency. The first is a particularly important single market measure and both are key elements of the energy/environment integration strategy developed as part of the EU's response towards our Kyoto targets. The Council agreed conclusions on the energy efficiency action plan which recognised the need for Community policies and measures to complement, coordinate and add value to national actions, and invited the Commission, working in cooperation with member states, to come forward with specific proposals quickly. The Council agreed conclusions on gas security of supply which invited the Commission to continue to monitor the supply position in Europe and to establish a group on an informal basis to discuss mutual areas of interest to improve coordination between member states. Also, the Council adopted a decision enabling the European Community to sign an agreement with the United States on the coordination of energy efficient labelling programmes for office equipment--energy star, and reached political agreement on a draft regulation for implementation of the energy star scheme. Finally, the Council noted reports on Euro-Med Cooperation including conclusions and the Energy Charter Treaty.

Date

8 June 2000

Reference

125577; 351 c298-9W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Trade and Industry

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what was the outcome of the Energy Council held in Brussels on 2nd December; and if he will make a statement.

Asked by

Jim Dobbin (Labour; Co-operative Party)

Answering body

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

3 December 1999

For answer on

9 December 1999

Answered on

9 December 1999

Mr. Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the outcome of the Energy Council held in Brussels on 2 December; and if he will make a statement. [101691] Mrs. Liddell: The Council considered several matters of interest to the United Kingdom. The Commission made two presentations on the Internal electricity market. The first concerned progress on implementation of the electricity directive and the second harmonisation measures in electricity which look at cross border trading issues in respect of transmission pricing and congestion. As regards the implementation report, I expressed disappointment that the Directive had not been implemented in all member states and stressed the importance of a level playing field which ensured fairness for everyone. I also congratulated the commission on taking prompt action against those which had not implemented the directive. I said that fully open energy markets in Europe was a high priority for the UK because this would increase the competitiveness of European companies and reduce prices for consumers. I also called for progress far beyond the market opening levels set out in the Directive. On the harmonisation of cross border trading mechanisms the Council agreed conclusions which note the work of the transmission system operators to develop transmission pricing mechanisms and procedures for managing congestion; encourage them to come forward with early proposals for a resolution of outstanding issues and invite the Commission to monitor progress and to come forward with its own proposals if the system operators are unable to reach a final agreement. I announced that the UK and the Netherlands are working on competition indicators to show how well competition is developing and where barriers persist. The results of this work will be shared with the Commission and other member states. In the absence of a proposals from the Commission on the access for renewables to the internal electricity market, the Council was unable to have a full exchange of views. I expressed disappointment at the continued delay and urged the Commission to come forward with a proposal as soon as possible. I said such a proposal should minimise distortions, ensure transparency, provide flexibility to distinguish between different kinds of renewables and promote cost-effectiveness and price competitiveness and that we supported the Commission in its objectives of promoting renewables as part of the response to Kyoto and the progressive inclusion of renewables in the internal electricity market. I was among a number of ministers who counselled against the inclusion of binding targets for renewables in the directive, this being a matter best left to member states, thereby respecting the principle of subsidiary. The council agreed a report to the Helsinki European Council on integration of environmental and sustainable development into energy policy which focused on priority areas for action which include the development of the internal energy market and the promotion of renewables and energy efficiency measures. In addition, the Energy Council held an orientation debate on a proposal for a directive on energy efficiency requirements of ballasts for fluorescent lighting aimed at raising product standards in Europe. Council conclusions were approved on strengthening the northern dimension of European energy policy with a view to improving co-ordination of actions between countries bordering the Baltic Sea and on the North West Region of Russia and to help provide greater focus for EU support mechanisms. The Council also note reports on gas harmonisation, gas security of supply, a progress report on the energy Charter Treaty including a negotiating directive for a transit protocol and information from the Commission on the millennium bug and a community energy efficiency action plan.

Date

9 December 1999

Reference

340 c613-4W; 101691

House

House of Commons

Scotland of Asthal, Baroness

Whether they will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for December and list the major European Union events for the next six months. [HL 151].

Asked by

Lord Davies of Coity (Labour)

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

2 December 1999

Reference

HL 151; 607 c54-64WA

House

House of Lords

Scotland of Asthal, Baroness

Lords statement on what is the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for October; and list the major European Union events for the next six months. [HL 4305].

Asked by

Lord Grenfell (Labour)

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

21 October 1999

Reference

HL 4305; 605 c124-6WA

House

House of Lords

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Statement on the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union to the end of October together with the major European Union events for the next six months. - Includes table.

Asked by

Eric Clarke (Labour)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

19 October 1999

For answer on

20 October 1999

Answered on

20 October 1999

Mr. Eric Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union to the end of October together with the major European Union events for the next six months. [94879] Mr. Vaz: This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Date Venue Event October 1999 30 September-1 October Helsinki Ministerial Conference on Equality between Women and Men 1 Florence Trade Ministers (informal) 4-5 Luxembourg Justice and Home Affairs Council 4-5 Tampere Regional Policy Ministers 4-8 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 6 Luxembourg Transport Council 8 Luxembourg ECOFIN 11-12 Luxembourg General Affairs Council 12 Luxembourg Environment Council 15-16 Tampere Special European Council 18-19 Luxembourg Agriculture Council 22 Luxembourg Labour/Social Affairs Council 24-25 Helsinki Energy Ministers Task Force Meeting 25-29 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 26 Luxembourg Fisheries Council 28 Luxembourg Research Council 29 Luxembourg Justice and Home Affairs Council November 1999 3-4 Brussels European Parliament Plenary 8 Brussels ECOFIN 8 Brussels Consumer Affairs Council 9 Brussels Industry Council 11 Brussels Development Council 11 Brussels Standing Committee Employment 12 Brussels Labour and Social Affairs Council 11-12 Helsinki Ministerial Conference on the Northern Dimension 15-16 Brussels Agriculture Council 15-16 Brussels General Affairs Council 15-19 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 16 Brussels EEA Council 18 Brussels Health Council 22 Brussels Fisheries Council (possible) 22-23 Brussels EU-ACP Ministerial Meeting (possible) 23 Brussels Culture/Audiovisual Council 23 Brussels Youth Council 25-26 Brussels Budget Council 26 Brussels Education Council 29 Brussels ECOFIN/Labour and Social Affairs Council 30 Brussels Telecommunications Council December 1999 1-2 Brussels European Parliament Plenary 2 Brussels Energy Council 2 Brussels Research Council 2-3 Brussels Justice and Home Affairs Council 6-7 Brussels General Affairs Council 7 Brussels Internal Market Council 9-10 Brussels Transport Council 10-11 Helsinki European Council 13 Brussels ECOFIN 13-14 Brussels Environment Council 13-17 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 14-15 Brussels Agriculture Council 14-16 Brussels Ministerial Conference on following of progress on UN Beijing Platform for Action 16-17 Brussels Fisheries Council 16-17 Brussels EU-ACP Council (possible) January 2000 14 Brussels Fisheries Council 18 Brussels Budget Council 24-25 Brussels General Affairs Council 24-25 Brussels Agriculture Council 28-29 Lisbon Development Council (informal) 31 Brussels ECOFIN February 2000 11-12 Lisbon Social Affairs Council (informal) 14-15 Brussels General Affairs Council 21-22 Brussels Agriculture Council 28 Brussels ECOFIN March 2000 3-4 Lisbon Justice and Home Affairs Council (informal) 9 Brussels European Conference 13 Brussels Social Affairs/ECOFIN Council 16 Brussels Internal Market 20-21 Brussels General Affairs Council 20-21 Brussels Agriculture Council 23-24 Lisbon European Council 27 Brussels JHA Council 28 Brussels Transport Council 30 Brussels Environment Council _________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Date

20 October 1999

Reference

94879; 336 c600-2W

House

House of Commons

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Statement on if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for July, and the major European Union events for the next six months.

Asked by

Paul Stinchcombe (Labour)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

For answer on

5 July 1999

Answered on

5 July 1999

Mr. Stinchcombe: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for July, and the major European Union events for the next six months. [90107] Mr. Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for July, and the major European Union events for the next six months. [90108] Mr. Hoon: The business is as follows: Monthly forecast of business _________________________________________________________________________________________________. July 1999 Venue Event 2-3 Oulu Industry and Research Ministers (Informal) 9-10 Oulu Labour/Social Affairs Ministers (Informal) 12 Brussels ECOFIN 16 Brussels Budget Council 18-20 Savonlinna Culture and Audiovisual Ministers (Informal) 19-20 Brussels General Affairs Council 19-20 Brussels Agriculture Council 20-23 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 23-25 Helsinki Environment Ministers (Informal) 28 Brussels Preparatory Meeting for EU-ACP Ministerial Meeting on 29-30 July 29-30 Brussels EU-ACP Ministerial Meeting No agendas have yet been circulated for the above meetings _________________________________________________________________________________________________. European Calendar: July-December 1999 This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Date Venue Event 2-3 Oulu Industry and Research Ministers (Informal) 9-10 Oulu Labour/Social Affairs Ministers (Informal) 12 Brussels ECOFIN 16 Brussels Budget Council 18-20 Savonlinna Culture and Audiovisual Ministers (Informal) 19-20 Brussels General Affairs Council 19-20 Brussels Agriculture Council 20-23 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 23-25 Helsinki Environment Ministers (Informal) 28 Brussels Preparatory Meeting for EU-ACP Ministerial Meeting on 29-30 July 29-30 Brussels EU-ACP Ministerial Meeting August 1999 No Council Business September 1999 4-5 Saariselka Foreign Ministers (Informal) 10-11 Turku ECOFIN (Informal) 12-14 Tampere Agriculture Ministers (Informal) 13-14 Brussels General Affairs Council 13-17 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 16-17 Turku Justice and Home Affairs Ministers (Informal) 24-25 Tampere Education Ministers (Informal) 27-28 Kuopio Ministers of Housing 27-28 Brussels Agriculture Council 30 September- 1 October Helsinki Ministerial Conference on Equality between Women and Men October 1999 1 Florence Trade Ministers (Informal) 4-5 Luxembourg Justice and Home Affairs Council 4-5 Tampere Regional Policy Ministers 4-8 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 6 Luxembourg Transport Council 8 Luxembourg ECOFIN 11-12 Luxembourg General Affairs Council 11-12 Luxembourg Environment Council 15-16 Tampere Special European Council 18-19 Luxembourg Agriculture Council 22 Luxembourg Labour/Social Affairs Council 24-25 Helsinki Energy Ministers Task Force Meeting 25-29 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 26 Luxembourg Fisheries Council 28 Luxembourg Research Council 29 Luxembourg Justice and Home Affairs Council November 1999 3-4 Brussels European Parliament Plenary 8 Brussels ECOFIN 8 Brussels Consumer Affairs Council 9 Brussels Industry Council 11 Brussels Development Council 12 Brussels Labour and Social Affairs Council (possible) 11-12 Helsinki Ministerial Conference on the Northern Dimension 15-16 Brussels Agriculture Council 15-16 Brussels General Affairs Council 15-19 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 18 Brussels Health Council 19 Brussels Youth Council 22 Brussels Fisheries Council (possible) 22-23 Brussels EU-ACP Ministerial Meeting (possible) 23 Brussels Culture and Audiovisual Council 26 Brussels Budget Council 26 Brussels Education Council 29 Brussels ECOFIN 29 Brussels Labour and Social Affairs Council 30 Brussels Telecommunications Council December 1999 1-2 Brussels European Parliament Plenary 2 Brussels Energy Council 2-3 Brussels Justice and Home Affairs Council 6-7 Brussels General Affairs Council 7 Brussels Internal Market Council 9-10 Brussels Transport Council 10-11 Helsinki European Council 13-14 Brussels Environment Council 13-17 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 14-15 Brussels Agriculture Council 16-17 Brussels Fisheries Council _________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Date

5 July 1999

Reference

90107; 334 c348-50W

House

House of Commons

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Statement on if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for July, and the major European Union events for the next six months.

Asked by

Jon Trickett (Labour)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

2 July 1999

For answer on

5 July 1999

Answered on

5 July 1999

Date

5 July 1999

Reference

90108; 334 c348-50W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Trade and Industry

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will make a statement on the proceedings of the Energy Council of 11th May relating to the millennium bug in the energy sector; what documents were discussed; and what contribution he made to the debate. - Inc ref...

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

8 June 1999

Reference

332 c234W; 85522

House

House of Commons

Dept of Trade and Industry

Statement on what was the outcome of the Energy Council held in Brussels on 11th May. - Inc ref to Council Secretariat web site at http://ue.eu.int/newsroom.

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

11 May 1999

For answer on

17 May 1999

Answered on

17 May 1999

Mr. Jim Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the outcome of the Energy Council held in Brussels on 11 May; and if he will make a statement. [84067] Mr. Battle: The Council considered several matters of interest to the United Kingdom. On renewables, our strategy was singled out for praise. I called on the Commission to maintain momentum in the promotion of renewable energy by coming forward with a directive giving a framework for fair access of renewables to the internal electricity market. It should minimise distortions, ensure transparency, provide flexibility to distinguish between different kinds of renewables and promote cost-effectiveness and price competitiveness. The Commission made two presentations on the internal energy market. The first concerned progress on implementation of the gas and electricity directives and the second harmonisation measures in electricity. I welcomed the implementation report stressing the importance of developing a real single market in energy (rather than 15 national markets) to enable consumers to reap the benefits that competition can bring in terms of lower prices and better service. I pointed out that agreement on the electricity and gas directives was only the first step. This must be followed by effective and timely implementation in all member states. I expressed disappointment that implementation had been delayed in some cases, urging those member states to put the necessary legal frameworks in place as a matter of urgency, emphasising the potential benefits to consumers. I also pointed out the importance of a level playing field where everyone plays by the rules; it was not acceptable for companies to compete in the markets of others member states while being protected from competition in their own. I also welcomed the Commission's harmonisation report which highlighted the main areas where obstacles to the single market persist, such as arrangements for cross-border trading. I emphasised the need to get on with this work urgently so that we can have workable and effective arrangements by the time of the next Council. I suggested the Council should regularly review progress towards achieving a single market against specific indicators, such as the number of new market entrants or prices. This will provide a measure of how far consumers are really being offered a competitive supply and benefiting from lower prices. The Presidency's summary supported this approach including the need to take the social dimension into account in liberalising the internal market in electricity. The Commission accordingly undertook to provide regular progress reports to Council. The Energy Council held an orientation debate concerning possible elements for inclusion in a strategy on the integration of environmental aspects and sustainable development into energy policy. Ministers had a useful exchange of views which the Presidency summarised. The Council also adopted conclusions aimed at reducing standby losses from electrical appliances which encourages an integrated approach--building a consensus and partnership with business on priorities and targets-- developing a combination of voluntary and regulatory measures at Community level. The Council received information from the Commission on the Energy Charter Treaty, the campaign for take-off on renewables and on progress towards minimising the impact of the millennium bug. A full press release on the outcome of the Council can be found on the Council Secretariat web site at http://ue.eu.int/newsroom.

Date

17 May 1999

Reference

84067; 331 c253-4W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Trade and Industry

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will publish the agenda for the Energy Council of 11th May. - Have today placed copies of the agenda and on the website (www2.dti.gov.uk/).

Asked by

Lord Blencathra (Conservative)

Answering body

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

14 May 1999

Reference

83816; 331 c218W

House

House of Commons

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Statement on if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for May and the major European Union events for the next six months. - Including list.

Asked by

Gareth Thomas (Labour; Co-operative Party)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

26 April 1999

For answer on

27 April 1999

Answered on

27 April 1999

Mr. Gareth R. Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for May and the major European Union events for the next six months. [82623] Ms Quin: The information is as follows: Monthly forecast of business: May 1999 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Date Venue Event 3-7 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 6 Brussels EU-ACP Ministerial meeting 7-9 Weimar Environment Ministers (Informal) 10 Brussels ECOFIN 10-11 Berlin Trade Ministers (Informal) 11 Brussels Energy Council 17-18 Brussels General Affairs Council 17-18 Brussels Agriculture Council 18 Brussels EEA Council 18 Brussels Co-operation Council with Russia 18-19 Weimar Culture Ministers (Informal) 20 Brussels Research Council 21 Brussels Development Council 25 Brussels ECOFIN 25 Brussels Labour and Social Affairs Council 27 Brussels Youth Council 27-28 Brussels Justice and Home Affairs Council 31 Brussels General Affairs Council 30 May-1 June Dresden Agriculture Ministers (Informal) _________________________________________________________________________________________________. No agendas have yet been circulated for the above meetings. European Calendar: May-October 1999 This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Date Venue Event May 3-7 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 6 Brussels EU-ACP Ministerial meeting 7-9 Weimar Environment Ministers (Informal) 10 Brussels ECOFIN 10-11 Berlin Trade Ministers (Informal) 11 Brussels Energy Council 17-18 Brussels General Affairs Council 17-18 Brussels Agriculture Council 18 Brussels EEA Council 18 Brussels Co-operation Council with Russia 18-19 Weimar Culture Ministers (Informal) 20 Brussels Research Council 21 Brussels Development Council 25 Brussels ECOFIN 25 Brussels Labour and Social Affairs Council 27 Brussels Youth Council 27-28 Brussels Justice and Home Affairs Council 31 Brussels General Affairs Council 30 May-1 June Dresden Agriculture Ministers (Informal) June 1 Dresden Agriculture Ministers (Informal) 3-4 Cologne European Council 7 Luxembourg Education Council 8 Luxembourg Health Council 10 Luxembourg Fisheries Council 10-13 European Parliament Elections 14 Luxembourg ECOFIN (possible) 14-15 Luxembourg Agriculture Council 17 Bonn EU-Japan Summit 17-18 Luxembourg Transport Council 21 Luxembourg Internal Market Council 21 Bonn EU-USA/Canada Summit 21-22 Luxembourg General Affairs Council 22 Luxembourg Labour and Social Affairs Council (possible) 24-25 Luxembourg Environment Council 25-29 Rio de Janeiro EU-Latin America/Caribbean Summit 28 Luxembourg Culture Council July 2-3 Oulu Industry and Research Ministers (Informal) 9-10 Oulu Labour/Social Affairs Ministers (Informal) 12 Brussels ECOFIN 16 Brussels Budget Council 18-20 Savonlinna Culture/Audiovisual Ministers (Informal) 19-20 Brussels General Affairs Council 19-20 Brussels Agriculture Council 20-23 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 23-25 Helsinki Environment Ministers (Informal) 26-28 Brussels EU-ACP Ministerial Meeting August No Council Business September 4-5 Saariselka Foreign Ministers (Informal) 10-11 Turku ECOFIN (Informal) 12-14 Tampere Agriculture Ministers (Informal) 13-14 Brussels General Affairs Council 13-17 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 16-17 Turku Justice and Home Affairs Ministers (Informal) 23 Brussels Telecommunications Council 24-25 Tampere Education Ministers (Informal) 27-28 Kuopio Ministers of Housing 27-28 Brussels Agriculture Council October 4-5 Brussels Justice and Home Affairs Council 4-5 Tampere Regional Policy Ministers 6 Brussels Transport Council 7 Brussels Internal Market 8 Brussels ECOFIN 11-2 Brussels General Affairs Council 11-12 Brussels Environment Council 15-16 Tampere Special European Council 18-19 Brussels Agriculture Council 22 Brussels Labour/Social Affairs Council 26 Brussels Fisheries Council 28 Brussels Research Council 29 Brussels Justice and Home Affairs Council _________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Date

27 April 1999

Reference

82623; 330 c94-6W

House

House of Commons

Symons of Vernham Dean, Baroness

Statement on if they will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for May; and list the major European Union events for the next six months. [HL 2201].

Asked by

Lord Wedderburn of Charlton (Labour)

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

27 April 1999

Reference

HL 2201; 600 c18-20WA

House

House of Lords

Dept of Trade and Industry

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, to comment on the outcome of the Energy Council meeting on 13th November.

Asked by

Phyllis Starkey (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

17 November 1998

For answer on

18 November 1998

Answered on

18 November 1998

Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Energy Council meeting on 13 November. [60653] Mr. Battle: The Council had a full agenda of matters of interest to the United Kingdom. I am particularly pleased to report that the Council agreed to revise the Oil Stocks Directive which requires all member States to hold contingency oil stocks. The revised Directive, which will come into force on 1 January 2000, introduces important amendments including a strengthening of support for bilateral agreements, clearer definitions and simplified reporting times. As a result of the revision, the United Kingdom, as an exporter of oil, will be eligible for a reduction in its stocking obligation. This change could lead to savings of around £10 million per annum for the British oil industry. The Council also adopted the basic decision on the Energy Framework Programme. This multi-annual programme brings together Community spending programmes in field of energy. In addition to the basic Decision, the Council adopted four of the specific instruments--ETAP (shared studies and analyses), SYNERGY (international co-operation), CARNOT (clean and efficient use of solid fuels), SURE (safe transport of nuclear materials and safeguards). The Council reached an informal political agreement on the remaining programmes, ALTERNER (renewable energy) and SAVE (energy conservation), pending the opinion of the European Parliament. Views on the appropriate budget varied between Member States but after negotiation a total financial reference amount of 170 mecu (£119 million) over five years was agreed, to be reviewed after three years. Another important element of the Council concerned a number of energy and environment issues. In response to the call made at the Cardiff European Council, the Council agreed a Report on the integration of environmental objectives into energy policy. This Report, along with those being prepared by the Transport and Agriculture Councils, will be submitted to the Vienna Council in December. The Energy Council held an open debate on renewable energy. I stressed the need to consider the best way to support renewable energy within the internal energy market which included cross-border trade. I reported on our positive practical programme of support for renewables to achieve our 10 per cent. target. I called for national support schemes to have the key elements of competition, flexibility and transparency such as those contained in the UK's Non Fossil Fuel Obligation. Also there was the need to develop clear and transparent guidelines for the connection, operation and commercial terms for small plants. To ensure this work is taken forward, I called for the establishment of a task force bringing together the Commission and Member States to co-ordinate efforts, exchange experiences and share problems in order to keep up the momentum of promoting renewable energy sources at European level. The Council adopted a Resolution on Energy Efficiency which complements the work on renewables. It recognises that more energy saving measures (such as minimum standards, best practice and voluntary agreements) are needed, inter alia, to enable the Community and Member States to meet their Kyoto Protocol commitments. The resolution proposes indicative energy efficiency targets and calls on the Commission to produce an action plan. The Council received information from the Commission on the development of the single market in electricity and Trans-European energy Networks. It received a report on the Energy Charter Treaty and, in this connection, agreed a political statement on transit.

Date

18 November 1998

Reference

319 c653-4W; 60653

House

House of Commons

Symons of Vernham Dean, Baroness

Statement on forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for August; and what are the major European Union events for the next six months. [HL 2969]

Asked by

Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour)

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

23 July 1998

Reference

HL 2969; 592 c127-9WA

House

House of Lords

Dept of Trade and Industry

Statement on the outcome of the Energy Council meeting on 11th May.

Asked by

Phil Sawford (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

19 May 1998

For answer on

20 May 1998

Answered on

20 May 1998

Mr. Sawford: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the outcome of the Energy Council meeting on 11 May. [43180] Mr. Battle: The Council considered several issues and received reports on matters of interest. I chaired the meeting. I am particularly pleased to report that the Council was able to adopt the gas directive following the European Parliament's second reading. I regard this as an important development towards the completion of the single market in energy. It will lead to a more competitive market and a better deal for consumers. The Council held a positive and constructive open debate on energy and the environment. It focused on three questions: enhancing renewable energies by making them cost competitive; promoting energy efficiency and CHP; and promoting environmental objectives. Member states underlined the importance of linking an energy response to Kyoto and outlined their actions at national level. My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment as President of the EU Environmental Council was able to attend for the open debate demonstrating a joint approach to environmental issues between Energy and Environment Ministers. Following the open debate Council adopted a Presidency proposal for Council conclusions on the energy response to Kyoto which agreed the need for action both at national and EU level in the areas of renewable energies, combined heat and power and energy efficiency. The Council also adopted a Resolution in response to the Commission's White Paper on renewable energy sources which urges Member States to develop national strategies with a view to bringing about a substantial increase in the use of renewables throughout the EU. The Council agreed that the White Paper's indicative target of 12 per cent. for the European Union as a whole by 2010 provides useful guidance for these increased efforts. I regard such action as a win win win situation where new jobs in new energy services and new technologies will be created as a result of tackling environmental challenges. The Council held an orientation debate on the energy framework programme to bring together all community energy specific programmes e.g. ALTENER, SAVE to support energy efficiency as well as a new programme to promote clean solid fuel technology. There was broad consensus on the approach and the text, and progress was made on technical aspects of the decision. The discussion on the budget was deferred until after the opinion of the European Parliament. The Council received presentations from the Commission on the development of the single market in electricity and harmonisation requirements following the electricity directive. The Commission also gave a progress report on the Energy Charter Treaty and presentations on a proposal for a Council directive amending the Directive on minimum oil stocks, a review on Coal State Aids Decision Coal and information on the oil refining market. Political agreement was also reached on the ALTENER II decision following the European parliament's second reading.

Date

20 May 1998

Reference

43180; 312 c392-3W

House

House of Commons

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

(Pursuant to reply at 311 c215-7W) To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for May and the major European Union events for the next six months. - Includes table and lists.

Asked by

Lawrie Quinn (Labour)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

7 May 1998

Reference

311 c494-8W; 40785

House

House of Commons

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