K. whereas the Treaty of Lisbon introduces a new and comprehensive approach to the external action of the Union – albeit with specific mechanisms for decision-making in matters relating to the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) – as well as creating the 'double-hatted' post of Vice-President of the Commission (High Representative) supported by a special external service as the key element rendering this new and integrated approach operative,

16. Is of the view that the importance of the foreign policy dimension of energy security, including the Union's dependence on energy and other strategic supplies from unstable or undemocratic countries and regions, will continue to increase; recommends wide-ranging diversification of energy sources and energy transport routes and increased energy efficiency as well as solidarity in energy security policy among Member States; deplores the uncoordinated signing of bilateral energy agreements by Member States, which undermine the interests, and call into question the strategic projects, of the Union as a whole and of other Member States; underlines, in this connection, the strategic importance of the Nabucco pipeline for the energy securit ...[+++]y of the European Union and calls on the Commission and the Council to mobilise all efforts aimed at successful implementation of this project as soon as possible; reiterates its call for the creation of the post of High Official for Foreign Energy Policy under the authority of the future double-hatted High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission, with responsibility for coordinating the Union's activities in this field; regrets the lack of response from the Council and the Commission to Parliament's above-mentioned resolution of 26 September 2007;

16. Is of the view that the importance of the foreign policy dimension of energy security, including the Union's dependence on energy and other strategic supplies from unstable or undemocratic countries and regions, will continue to increase; recommends wide-ranging diversification of energy sources and energy transport routes and increased energy efficiency as well as solidarity in energy security policy among Member States; deplores the uncoordinated signing of bilateral energy agreements by Member States, which undermine the interests, and call into question the strategic projects, of the Union as a whole and of other Member States; underlines, in this connection, the strategic importance of the Nabucco pipeline for the energy securit ...[+++]y of the European Union and calls on the Commission and the Council to mobilise all efforts aimed at successful implementation of this project as soon as possible; reiterates its call for the creation of the post of High Official for Foreign Energy Policy under the authority of the future double-hatted High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission, with responsibility for coordinating the Union's activities in this field; regrets the lack of response from the Council and the Commission to Parliament's above-mentioned resolution of 26 September 2007;

16. Is of the view that the importance of the foreign policy dimension of energy security, including the Union's dependence on energy and other strategic supplies from unstable or undemocratic countries and regions, will continue to increase; recommends wide-ranging diversification of energy sources and energy transport routes and increased energy efficiency as well as solidarity in energy security policy among EU Member States; deplores the uncoordinated signing of bilateral energy agreements by Member States, which undermine the interests, and call into question, the strategic projects of the Union as a whole and of other Member States; underlines, in this connection, the strategic importance of the Nabucco pipeline for the energy secu ...[+++]rity of the European Union and calls on the Commission and the Council to mobilise all efforts aimed at successful implementation of this project as soon as possible; reiterates its call for the creation of the post of High Official for Foreign Energy Policy under the authority of the future double-hatted High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission, with responsibility for coordinating the Union's activities in this field; regrets the lack of response from the Council and the Commission to Parliament's above-mentioned resolution of 26 September 2007;

The Scottish parliament too recently had a debate with particular reference to the role which post offices, especially in rural areas, play in service provision and the sustainability of rural communities.

- - - 1 - SERVICES FREE FROM AUTHORISATION REQUIREMENT Before After ------ ----- a) A few occasional services a) Almost all occasional services, namely : - closed door tours - services already free from - outward journey laden and return authorisation (see facing journey unladen column) - certain services - services carrying various groups of passengers on round trips - one-way services carrying groups of passengers between Member States - services organised for special occasions (conférences, etc.). b) - b) Shuttle services with accomodation (defined as ...[+++]at least 2 nights stay) ; these services may also stop at a maximum of 3 places en route passengers able to return on any subsequent service. Shuttle services with accomodation may carry a certain percentage of travel only passengers c) - c) Most special regular services (services carrying workers, school-children, military personnel + frontier urban transport), provided they are subject to a contract between organiser and carrier. d) Transport by non-profit making d) Transport by non-profit organisations subject to a variety of making organisations of national rules and provisions of their own members in their bilateral agreements own vehicules subject to certification - - - 2 - AUTHORISATION PROCEDURES Before After ------ ----- a) Applications for almost all services a) Applications for regular and to be examined except in light of shuttle services without effects on existing markets (all accomodation to be allowed transport modes) and taking account unless proposed service of whether operators already in market would threaten existing could organise such a service regular coach services or themselves comparable rail service or is aimed exclusively at the most lucrative existing services. b) Countries where passengers are b) Countries where passengers picked up or set down and transit are picked up or set down countries may oppose a request for may oppose a request for authorisation authorisation c) No time-limit ...