6. Calls on the Commission to develop a mechanism to prepare and ensure prompt expressions of solidarity with and assistance to a country facing difficulties relating to the physical security of infrastructure and security of supply: considers that a sudden and large-scale interruption of energy supply affecting one or more Member States could have an impact on the functioning of the internal market; believes that solidarity among Member States should encompass the readiness to assist those which are endangered or in difficulty in situations of extreme crisis, for example as a result of natural catastrophes, terrorist actions or politic ...[+++]ally motivated cuts in supplies or when the security of its citizens is seriously endangered;

The European processing industry is made of mainly small and medium sized enterprises coping with insufficient and irregular and competitive supplies, health and hygiene requirements, competition from third countries and the appearance of major retail companies which set prices at lower levels.

Consequently, regarding security of supply, any difficulty having the effect of reducing gas supply could cause serious disturbances in the economic activity of the Community; for this reason, there is a growing need to ensure security of gas supply.

(10) Any difficulty which substantially reduces supplies of petroleum products or substantially increases their price is likely to cause serious damage to the Community economy. It is therefore essential to be able to make good, or at least mitigate, the damage caused by any such difficulties which might result in energy supply crises.

Import dependence and rising import ratios may lead to concern about the risk of interruption to or difficulties in supply.

They will not go beyond what is strictly necessary to overcome potential supply difficulties.