2. Calls on the Commission to retain the objective of dedicating a specific chapter to energy, including industrial raw materials, in the TTIP with the aim of creating a competitive, transparent and non-discriminatory market which could significantly increase the EU’s energy security, improve diversification of energy sources and lead to lower energy prices; highlights in this regard the importance of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency in increasing energy security; emphasises that this specific chapter must integrate clear guarantees that the EU’s environmental standards and climate action goals must not be undermined and ...[+++]that the EU must retain the freedom to act independently in setting future standards and goals;

Activities shall focus on the development of tools, methods, models and forward-looking and perspective scenarios for a robust and transparent policy support, including activities on public engagement, user involvement, environmental impact and sustainability assessment improving the understanding of energy-related socio-economic trends and prospects.

63 Emphasises that in the EU-Russia energy dialogue, where the EU should speak with one voice, the specific and dependent situation of the Central and Eastern European Member States should be taken into account as their energy supply security can only be guaranteed through the interconnection of EU-wide infrastructure and the full implementation of internal energy market rules; considers that crucial topics such as access to energy resources, networks and export markets, investment protection, reciprocity, crisis prevention and cooperation, a level playing field and the pricing of energy resources should be taken into account in the dialogue; emphasises that particular attention should be paid to the ‘Druzhba’ issue and that specific step ...[+++]s should be taken at EU level to resume the supply of oil via the closed branch;

63 Emphasises that in the EU-Russia energy dialogue, where the EU should speak with one voice, the specific and dependent situation of the Central and Eastern European Member States should be taken into account as their energy supply security can only be guaranteed through the interconnection of EU-wide infrastructure and the full implementation of internal energy market rules; considers that crucial topics such as access to energy resources, networks and export markets, investment protection, reciprocity, crisis prevention and cooperation, a level playing field and the pricing of energy resources should be taken into account in the dialogue; emphasises that particular attention should be paid to the ‘Druzhba’ issue and that specific step ...[+++]s should be taken at EU level to resume the supply of oil via the closed branch;

We have talked about our relations with Russia in this House on several occasions over the last year and it is totally unacceptable to make the energy crisis into a New Year’s tradition and put ordinary people in a situation where old people freeze to death, hospitals have to be closed and industries close down.

It was a very tough debate, but I believe that all elements are there and we just need to continue to work very vigorously to implement the ones that we have agreed on and the proposals that have been agreed in this House. Again I would like to thank Parliament for its strong support for developing a European energy policy.