15. Considers that the Energy Union entails negotiating with one voice with third countries; calls on the Commission to analyse the appropriateness and potential structure of a voluntary collective purchasing mechanism and its impact on the functioning of the internal gas market, the undertakings affected and its contribution to ensuring security of gas supply; notes that since there are several models of collective purchasing mechanisms, further work needs to be done to determine the best market-based model applicable for EU regions and suppliers concerned and for the conditions under which a voluntary collective purchasing mechanism ...[+++]could be launched; considers that the coordination of positions and the collective purchasing of gas should start at regional level; recommends, in the interim, that the Commission and the Energy Community Secretariat support those Member States and Energy Community Contracting Parties, respectively, that wish to negotiate energy contracts on a voluntary basis, in compliance with the EU internal market acquis and with EU competition and World Trade Organisation rules, and provide for protection of commercially sensitive information; underlines that energy contracts must be based upon market prices and competition;

13. Points out the importance of a fully operational internal market for energy in order to achieve increased autonomy in energy supply; considers that this could be achieved through a regional clustering approach, as well as through the diversification of energy routes and sources; underlines that Eastern European infrastructure should be enhanced to bring it into line with that of Western Member States; stresses that the internal energy market should contribute to maintaining energy prices affordable for both consumers and businesses; believes that, in order to achieve the EU's climate and energy objectives, a new approach is necessary in terms of applying adequate minimum duty rates on CO2 emissions and on energy content; highlights ...[+++] the need for further energy efficiency plans and measures to significantly increase energy savings; stresses the need to promote smart grids as well as renewable energies and to encourage local and regional authorities to exploit ICTs in their energy efficiency plans; calls for the Commission to closely monitor the implementation of the directives on energy-labelling, eco-design, transports, buildings and infrastructures, in order to ensure and implement a common European framework approach;

EUROVOC descriptor: international market energy supply energy policy environmental protection single market security of supply competitiveness renewable energy

As stated in the conclusions of the Barcelona European Council, the existence of an adequate and effective network of energy infrastructures will ensure the proper functioning of the internal market, while guaranteeing greater security of energy supplies.

42. Remains of the view that an essential part of maintaining security of supply is to complete the liberalisation of energy markets to achieve a fully functioning internal market in electricity and gas to enhance competitiveness, transparency and energy efficiency; considers that there is an urgent need to create a level playing field in the EU as soon as possible and therefore wishes to see full liberalisation come about as soon as possible; considers that special measures to insure security of supply should not be allowed to offset the general rules of the internal energy market more than necessary; considers that external costs of ...[+++] fossil and nuclear fuels should be fully internalised, where they are not already;

42. Remains of the view that an essential part of maintaining security of supply is to complete the liberalisation of energy markets to achieve a fully functioning internal market in electricity and gas to enhance competitiveness, transparency and energy efficiency; considers that there is an urgent need to create a level playing field in the EU as soon as possible and therefore wishes to see full liberalisation come about as soon as possible. Special measures to insure security of supply should not be allowed to offset the general rules of the internal energy market more than necessary;