Council Resolution on Green Paper "For a European Union Energy Policy" The Council of the European Union has adopted a Resolution on the Commission's Green Paper "For A European Union Energy Policy". In this Resolution, the Council notes its opinion that the publication of the Green Paper, in January 1995, and the subsequent consultations organiz... The Council of the European Union has adopted a Resolution on the Commission's Green Paper "For A European Union Energy Policy". In this Resolution, the Council notes its opinion that the publication of the Green Paper, in January 1995, and the subsequent consultations organized with Member States' energy authorities and with organizations representing energy operators and consumers within the Union, mark an important stage in the debate on a European Union energy policy. In particular, the Resolution sets out a number of principles and observations on which the Council believes that any consideration of energy policy should be based. These include the need for: - The definition of a general framework which would allow undertakings to incorporate the inherent uncertainty regarding long-term economic forecasting for energy into their investment choices; - The establishment of an appropriate institutional framework taking into account the need to complete the internal market and to respect the general principles of competition and services of general economic interest; - The diversification and flexibility of supply and efficient use of energy in all sectors, as well as a research and technological development policy; - The development of means of transport for fossil fuels and electricity, including networks, to contribute to the security of European Union supplies and to the implementation of the internal energy market; - In-depth evaluation of the interrelation between environmental and energy policy initiatives; - Closer relations with third countries. The Council also notes the important role of the energy sector in improving the competitiveness of the European economies and in assisting the Community in attaining the objective of strengthening economic and social cohesion. The Council, finally, urges the Commission, when developing the White Paper, to continue its extensive consultations, in particular with Member States.
