The strategy focuses on securing the European Union’s (EU’s) energy supply in the current geopolitical context of dependence on energy imports.
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council: European energy security strategy (COM(2014) 330 final of 28.5.2014).
The strategy focuses on securing the European Union’s (EU’s) energy supply in the current geopolitical context of dependence on energy imports.
8 key actions need to be taken.
Immediate action to avoid disruption of energy supplies in winter 2014/15 : particularly important for countries dependent on a single gas supplier, this includes increasing storage capacity, developing security of supply plans and making more use of the potential of liquefied natural gas.
Strengthening EU countries’ emergency/solidarity mechanisms : including coordinating risk assessment and contingency plans and protecting strategic/critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, and a review of the security of gas supply regulation.
Moderating energy demand : laws such as the energy efficiency directive and the energy performance of buildings directive need to be enforced rigorously, while others need review. Action is needed to identify further potential energy efficiency gains, as well as any barriers to energy efficiency take-up. To attract further private sector investment, the European Structural and Innovation Funds have €27 billion to invest in the low-carbon economy, including energy efficiency.
Ensuring an efficient and integrated internal marketcapacity : among other things, by plugging gaps in the EU’s energy infrastructure and extending the target for the interconnection of electricitycapacity from 10 % in 2020 to 15 % by 2030.
Increasing indigenous EU energy production : including increased use of renewable energies, the sustainable production of fossil fuels and full implementation of the carbon capture and storage directive.
Developing energy technologies : to further cut energy demand, diversify and consolidate supply options and optimise energy infrastructure.
Diversifying external supplies and related infrastructure : for gas, access to diversified sources is vital, as is maintaining imports from reliable suppliers. Attention must be paid to investments in new nuclear power plants to ensure a diversified nuclear fuel supply portfolio, reducing dependence on Russia.
Improving coordination of national energy policies and communication on external issues: although a national prerogative, decisions on energy mix, the progressive integration of energy infrastructure and markets, the common reliance on external suppliers and the need to ensure solidarity in times of crisis, all imply that key political decisions on energy should be coordinated, and the EU needs to develop consistent messages on external aspects of energy policy.
European citizens and economies are reliant on a secure supply of energy. This website contains more information on how this energy security strategy aims to ensure a stable and abundant energy supply for Europe.
last update 19.09.2014