I would highlight the vital role of this Agency in the future of energy policy in Europe, which we want to be characterised by more competitive and diverse conditions, far removed from the monopolies of the past, together with conditions of increased security and better efficiency, to the benefit of consumers.

Parliament is looking at an action plan on implementing energy policy for Europe.

Talking about the hearing, the European Commissioner for Energy, Andris Piebalgs, stressed that "Europe’s current energy situation is no longer tenable and it is necessary to provide the EU with a genuine energy policy"".

That is why it is important that this programme should receive special emphasis. This multi-annual programme will enable us – or so I hope – to start to turn European energy policy around, and, in particular, the use of energy – a subject on which we have adopted many framework directives already – must be one of our priorities for the future.

INVITES the Commission to pursue similar actions to strengthen other regional dimensions of energy policy in Europe;

GREEN PAPER ON ENERGY POLICY GUIDELINES - COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS The Council adopted the following conclusions after a discussion based on a Commission progress report on the energy policy Green Paper: "The Council - notes with satisfaction the wide consultations undertaken with Member States, consumer interests and industry; - confirms that improved competitiveness, strengthened security of supply and enhanced protection of the environment in the light of the obligations arising out of the Framework Convention on Climate Change are main objectives to be considered in the context of energy policy; - recalls the importance of the completion of the internal energy market in the framework of Union policy in the energy sector; - recommends that ...[+++] these elements are developed further in the Green Paper which in particular should facilitate a wide debate on: * the effective operation of the energy markets and the extent to which policy interventions, if any, are necessary; * long-term supply perspectives; * reconciling energy and environmental policies; * the division of responsibilities between the Communities, Member States and industry, taking into account the principle of subsidiarity, economic and social cohesion and the extent to which common objectives and the convergence of national policies may be necessary; * the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energies; * the further development of cooperation with third countries in the field of energy; - desires that the dialogue between the Commission and the Member States and the European associations of industry, energy companies, the trade unions and the consumer be continued with the aim of reaching as broad as possible a consensus on the future orientation of energy policies; - invites the Commission to submit the Green Paper to the Council and the other European Community Institutions as soon as possible with a view to continuing the debate".