Documents - Think Tank - Parlement européen

Briefing - EU and Ukraine: Potential for stronger energy cooperation on the path to integration - 24-03-2025

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Ukraine is the second largest country on the European continent after Russia. Its oil, coal and gas reserves, as well as its geostrategic position, ensured its important role in energy trade, both during the Soviet Union and after its collapse. However, Russia's initial invasion of Ukraine (since 2014), followed by a full-scale war of aggression against the country, have had severe human and economic impacts. In the energy area, for example, Russia's strategy has been to weaponise (e.g. the occupation of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station) or destroy (hydro and coal-fired power plants, as well as electricity grid substations) energy infrastructure. As a result, Ukraine's electricity generation capacity has been severely limited. Moreover, its choice to be less dependent on Russian energy, and to apply for EU membership, means that, within a short time frame, it must rebuild its energy grid and orient it towards a future with less fossil fuels; all this while being in a war. Energy relations between the EU and Ukraine are multifaceted (e.g. the Energy Community; the memorandum of understanding on energy in 2005, updated in 2016; the association agreement signed in 2014). In future, they are due to be reframed under the institutional arrangements for the enlargement talks (after Ukraine was granted EU candidate status in 2022). Since the Russian invasion in 2022, to help Ukraine cope with the multiple challenges its energy grid has been facing, the EU has used several mechanisms and initiatives, such as successfully synchronising the Ukrainian grid with the Continental European Synchronous Area; the EU civil protection mechanism; the Ukraine Facility; the Ukraine Energy Support Fund; and the European Investment Bank. The outcome of the war is uncertain, and some see recent statements by the new United States administration as a significant setback for Ukraine. Others focus instead on the possibilities for further collaboration between Ukraine and the EU. They bring as examples the country's vast gas reserves and infrastructure both to transport and to store natural gas, nuclear power or green hydrogen, provided that the country engages in the development of relevant infrastructure.

Source : © Union européenne, 2025 - PE

En bref - Accélérer l’abandon progressif du gaz russe et des autres produits énergétiques russes dans l’Union - 06-03-2025

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:13:30 GMT

La guerre menée par la Russie en Ukraine a conduit l’Union à prendre des mesures pour assurer sa sécurité énergétique. Trois ans plus tard, les résultats sont positifs, mais il est possible de faire davantage pour réduire encore la dépendance de l’Union à l’égard des combustibles fossiles et de l’énergie nucléaire russes. La Commission devrait faire une déclaration à ce sujet lors de la période de session de mars.

Source : © Union européenne, 2025 - PE

Briefing - Fit for 55 package: Reducing methane emissions in the energy sector - 04-10-2024

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

On 15 December 2021, the Commission presented a proposal to regulate methane emissions reductions in the energy sector. The proposal was part of the second batch of proposals in the 'fit for 55' package, seeking to align EU climate and energy laws with the EU Climate Law's 2030 target. The proposal addressed gaps in the current legislation: those relating to methane emissions from upstream exploration and the production of oil and fossil gas, but also those from the gathering and processing of fossil gas, the transmission, distribution and underground storage of gas, and liquid gas terminals operating with fossil and/or renewable methane. In �Ϸ��վ, the proposal was referred to the Committees on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) and on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). On 26 April 2023, they adopted their joint report, which introduced several amendments to the proposal. �Ϸ��վ adopted its position for the trilogue negotiations on 9 May 2023, without changes to the joint committee report. On 15 November 2023, �Ϸ��վ and Council reached a provisional agreement on the proposal. Coreper endorsed it on 15 December 2023 and ENVI and ITRE on 11 January 2024. The final act was signed on 13 June 2024 and published in the Official Journal on 15 July 2024. Fifth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages in the legislative procedure.

Source : © Union européenne, 2024 - PE

Briefing - Recast EU Regulation on Gas and Hydrogen Markets - 24-07-2024

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 22:00:00 GMT

On 15 December 2021, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal to recast the 2009 EU Gas Regulation as part of the hydrogen and decarbonised gas markets package. In the European �Ϸ��վ, the file was referred to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), which adopted its report on 9 February 2023. The report was endorsed at the plenary session of 15 March 2023. The Council adopted its general approach on 28 March 2023. The �Ϸ��վ and the Council reached a provisional agreement on 8 December 2023. The revised regulation was published in the Official Journal on 15 July 2024 and entered into force on 4 August 2024. The regulation revises internal market rules to prepare the gas sector to transition towards low-carbon and renewable gases, creating an EU legislative framework for the hydrogen market. The newly established European Network of Network Operators for Hydrogen (ENNOH) will support the development of hydrogen infrastructure. It also enshrines in legislation the voluntary demand aggregation mechanism for gas, as proposed by �Ϸ��վ. Fourth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. The first edition was drafted by Alex Wilson.

Source : © Union européenne, 2024 - PE

Étude - Étude pour la commission REGI − L’incidence de la crise de l’approvisionnement en gaz sur les plans de transition juste - 28-04-2023

Mon, 01 May 2023 22:00:00 GMT

Le présent document est le résumé de l’étude intitulée «L’incidence de la crise de l’approvisionnement en gaz sur les plans de transition juste». L’intégralité de l’étude, disponible en anglais, peut être téléchargée à l’adresse suivante: https://bit.ly/3LKVHHb

Source : © Union européenne, 2023 - PE

En bref - Heure des questions: comment garantir la sécurité énergétique dans l’UE en 2023 - 08-03-2023

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 13:18:09 GMT

La crise énergétique de 2022 provoquée par l’agression de la Russie contre l’Ukraine a posé des problèmes liés à la sécurité énergétique et au caractère abordable de l’énergie dans l’Union européenne. Grâce à plusieurs mesures prises l’année dernière, les pénuries d’énergie ont été évitées jusqu’à présent. Toutefois, l’Union doit désormais se préparer à l’hiver prochain, période au cours de laquelle il pourrait être plus difficile de constituer des stocks suffisants de gaz. Les députés au Parlement européen auront la possibilité d’interroger la Commission européenne sur ce sujet lors de l’«heure des questions» au cours de la période de session de mars I.

Source : © Union européenne, 2023 - PE

En bref - Aspects sexospécifiques de la précarité énergétique - 15-02-2023

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 16:35:21 GMT

Cette année, la guerre russe en Ukraine sera en filigrane des célébrations qui marqueront la Journée internationale des droits des femmes. Le conflit, qui s’est accompagné de menaces de pénuries d’énergie, a exacerbé les effets inflationnistes de la reprise après la pandémie, entraînant une crise du coût de la vie en Europe. Pour marquer cette journée, la commission des droits de la femme et de l’égalité des genres (FEMM) du Parlement européen organise le 1er mars 2023 une réunion avec les parlements nationaux, qui s’intéressera à l’incidence de la hausse des prix de l’énergie sur les femmes et les mesures potentielles pour l’atténuer.

Source : © Union européenne, 2023 - PE

Étude - The Revision of the Third Energy Package for Gas - 01-12-2022

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 23:00:00 GMT

This study investigates the revision of the third energy package for gas in light of the current energy crisis. The report presents findings from desk research, interviews and a workshop on the current political context regarding natural gas and hydrogen as well as the role of unbundling rules for gas and hydrogen infrastructure, the development of an EU hydrogen backbone and the issue of ensuring energy supply through gas interconnectors.

Source : © Union européenne, 2022 - PE

Analyse approfondie - Global energy price inflation with a European twist - 28-11-2022

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 23:00:00 GMT

Inflation has always had a strong global component, driven mostly by volatile energy prices. However, the unprecedented levels of inflation reached now cannot in all cases be explained by unprecedented energy prices – except for the euro area where gas prices have had a special impact. The international spill-over effects of national monetary policy are of uncertain sign. US tightening has a negative impact abroad, especially in emerging economies because of the dominant role of the US dollar in global financial markets. Euro area tightening might have a positive impact on the US economy because a stronger euro helps, even if only marginally, other exporters. This paper was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 28 November 2022.

Source : © Union européenne, 2022 - PE

En bref - Enhancing solidarity in EU gas markets - 18-11-2022

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 23:00:00 GMT

The European Commission has adopted a proposal to improve the functioning of EU gas markets during the current energy crisis. It introduces a joint purchasing tool, seeks to improve efficiency and security of gas supply, and limits prices and volatility. The proposed Council regulation is under discussion among EU Member States.

Source : © Union européenne, 2022 - PE

En bref - Plenary round-up – June II 2022 - 24-06-2022

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 22:00:00 GMT

The highlight of the June II 2022 plenary session was the vote to overwhelmingly endorse the granting of candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova, and – once it meets the conditions set out by the Commission – Georgia. On the evening of 23 June, EU leaders did indeed follow suit. Members debated preparations for that European Council meeting taking place on 23-24 June 2022, including the meeting with Western Balkan leaders on 23 June. The �Ϸ��վ also debated with the Commission and Council the use of national vetoes undermining the global tax deal, and held debates, inter alia, on implementation and delivery of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the future of EU international investment policy. �Ϸ��վ adopted its position, following the urgent procedure, on exceptional temporary support under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development in response to the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A 'This is Europe' debate was held with the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković. Finally, in a formal sitting, Members heard an address by Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia.

Source : © Union européenne, 2022 - PE

En bref - Règlement relatif au stockage de gaz - 20-06-2022

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Le 23 mars 2022, la Commission européenne a présenté une proposition urgente de règlement relatif au stockage de gaz pour faire face aux risques d’interruption des approvisionnements en gaz en provenance de Russie. Le Parlement et le Conseil ont négocié ce règlement dans le cadre de la procédure accélérée et sont parvenus à un accord provisoire le 19 mai 2022. La commission de l’industrie, de la recherche et de l’énergie (ITRE) a approuvé le texte issu de cet accord. Celui-ci sera mis aux voix lors de la session plénière de juin II.

Source : © Union européenne, 2022 - PE

Briefing - Fit for 55 package: Reducing methane emissions in the energy sector - 14-06-2022

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 22:00:00 GMT

The IA clearly identifies the problem that needs to be addressed and details the problem drivers. Furthermore, the IA discusses the evolution of the problem if the EU were to take no action. The IA relates the objectives with the problem/problem drivers in a supported manner. The options for the different policy areas to tackle appear to be sufficient and justified against the objectives. The assessment of the options retained for their economic, environmental and social impacts is thorough, but could have benefited from the availability of more complete data, and from the application of the Better Regulation Guidelines in assessing impacts on SMEs and on competitiveness. The indicators for monitoring and evaluating the success of the initiative are supported by existing frameworks and can be considered to be sufficient and effective. Consultation of interested parties occurred through an open public consultation and three stakeholder meetings, the findings of which are in line with the preferred options in the IA. The analysis performed in the IA seems to be well supported, and the comments from the RSB were addressed. In conclusion, the IA and the proposal are consistent.

Source : © Union européenne, 2022 - PE

Briefing - New rules on security of gas supply - 10-11-2017

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 23:00:00 GMT

In February 2016, the European Commission proposed a new regulation on security of gas supply in order to develop a stronger collective response to future supply risks. Major innovations in the Commission proposal include a solidarity principle that prioritises households and essential social services during an emergency situation; mandatory regional preventive action and emergency plans based on new templates; fewer exemptions on bidirectional capacity, in order to facilitate reverse gas flows; an increase in the scope of contractual information relating to security of supply that is provided to the Commission and national authorities; and further involvement of the contracting parties of the Energy Community in security of gas supply measures. The ITRE Committee approved its report in October 2016, the Council adopted a general approach in December 2016. Trilogue negotiations began in February 2017 and agreement was reached in April 2017. The agreed text was formally endorsed by the �Ϸ��վ in September and by the Council in October 2017), and entered into force on 1 November 2017. This updates an earlier edition, of June 2017: PE 607.271.

Source : © Union européenne, 2017 - PE

En bref - Nouvelles dispositions sur la securite de l?approvisionnement en gaz - 05-09-2017

Tue, 05 Sep 2017 14:32:12 GMT

Au mois de février 2016, la Commission a adopté une proposition visant à réviser le règlement de 2010 sur la sécurité de l’approvisionnement en gaz. Les négociations du trilogue au début de l'année 2017 ont engendré un texte de consensus qui a été approuvé par la commission de l'industrie, de la recherche et de l'énergie (ITRE) au mois de mai 2017. Le Parlement se prononcera sur ce texte lors de sa session plénière de septembre 2017.

Source : © Union européenne, 2017 - PE

Briefing - New rules on security of gas supply - 23-06-2017

Fri, 23 Jun 2017 08:58:44 GMT

In February 2016, the European Commission proposed a new regulation on security of gas supply as part of its sustainable energy security package, in order to develop a stronger collective response to future supply risks. Major innovations in the Commission proposal include a solidarity principle that prioritises households and essential social services during an emergency situation; mandatory regional preventive action and emergency plans based on new templates; fewer exemptions on bidirectional capacity, in order to facilitate reverse gas flows; an increase in the scope of contractual information relating to security of supply that is provided to the Commission and national authorities; and further involvement of the contracting parties of the Energy Community in security of gas supply measures. The ITRE Committee approved its report in October 2016, while the Council adopted a general approach in December 2016. Trilogue negotiations started in February 2017 and agreement was reached in April. The agreed text was approved by the ITRE committee on 30 May and is scheduled for a vote in the September 2017 plenary. "A more recent edition of this document is available. Find it by searching by the document title at this address: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/home.html"

Source : © Union européenne, 2017 - PE

Briefing - New rules on security of gas supply - 22-02-2017

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 23:00:00 GMT

On 16 February 2016 the European Commission proposed a new regulation on security of gas supply as part of its sustainable energy security package, in order to develop a stronger collective response to future supply risks. The Commission proposal would replace and repeal an existing regulation on the subject, in force since December 2010. The Commission proposal seeks to improve rather than overhaul the existing regulation, and keeps many of its key features intact. Major innovations include a solidarity principle that prioritises households and essential social services during an emergency situation; mandatory regional preventive action and emergency plans based on new templates; fewer exemptions on bidirectional capacity in order to facilitate reverse gas flows; an increase in the scope of contractual information relating to security of supply that is provided to the Commission; and involving the contracting parties of the Energy Community further in security of gas supply measures. On 13 October 2016 the ITRE Committee approved a report on the regulation. On 5 December 2016 the Council held a policy debate on the regulation and reached agreement on a general approach. Trilogue negotiations started on 6 February 2017.

Source : © Union européenne, 2017 - PE

Analyse approfondie - Recent Trends in Energy Prices - 15-12-2015

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 23:00:00 GMT

After a dramatic fall in 2014, oil and fuel prices in euro terms increased in the first part of 2015, before decreasing again and since mid-2015 to record low levels, similar to early 2015. However, retail gas and electricity prices - which traditionally follow similar trends with some delay stabilized or in some cases even increased, in large part due to higher taxes. Large differences persist amongst EU Member States and commodities. Conversely, most experts claim that fossil fuel prices can be expected to stay “low for long.” Notwithstanding important recent progress in developing renewable fuel sources, low fossil fuel prices could discourage innovation in and adoption of cleaner energy technologies. This paper was prepared by Policy Department A for the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE).

Source : © Union européenne, 2015 - PE

Briefing - Smart electricity grids and meters in the EU Member States - 11-09-2015

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 11:32:00 GMT

Smart electricity grids feature in the European Commission's Energy Union package and constitute a priority for the EU in the energy field. Proponents of smart grids argue they can contribute to a more efficient use of energy, increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix, reducing the infrastructure required to supply electricity, and curbing overall energy consumption. Smart grids can also empower consumers, making them more aware of their energy use and able to adjust it in response to price signals. To facilitate the development of smart grids, the Commission encourages the deployment of smart metering across EU Member States, in line with the recommendations of the 2009 gas and electricity packages. Yet in practice significant variations exist among Member States in their deployment of smart metering, the precise energy cost savings are uncertain and there remain concerns about security and data protection. Energy producers tend to be most supportive of smart metering, and have successfully pushed for full-scale deployment in several member states. �Ϸ��վ is generally supportive of the development of smart grids and metering, but asks that this process takes full account of consumer concerns, particularly in terms of costs and security.

Source : © Union européenne, 2015 - PE

Étude - A Cold Winter to Come? The EU Seeks Alternatives to Russian Gas - 24-10-2014

Sun, 02 Nov 2014 23:00:00 GMT

The crisis in Ukraine has led to seven rounds of sanctions between Russia and the EU – and may well lead to more. Energy is the most alarming casualty in this clash, with the EU and Russia largely interdependent in the domain. The level of dependency among EU Member States varies greatly, as does their ability to respond to Russian warnings and actions. Ukraine's gas situation is also at stake. The Russian gas exporter Gazprom ceased exporting to Ukraine in June. In late September, gas cuts were registered in Slovakia, Austria, Poland and Romania – in some cases to prevent Russian gas from being diverted to Ukraine. A provisional solution for Ukraine's winter supplies was reached in Berlin on 26 September, but has yet to be completely endorsed by Moscow and Kiev. However, the risk of gas shortages for the rest of Europe has not been averted. Military and political tensions have obliged the EU to boost its energy security mechanisms and seek alternatives to Russian gas. The European Commission has just concluded a stress test on the EU gas system to assess the impact of a potential gas crisis. Several studies have suggested that, in the short term, the EU could substitute Algerian, Norwegian and Qatari supplies for Russian gas, although this would cost more and require new gas terminals. The Union’s reserves – at present 90 % full – will also help, but for how long depends on the coming winter. In the longer term, gas supplies from Azerbaijan, the United States, Iran, Mozambique, Australia, Israel and Turkmenistan could also supply the thirsty European market. EU energy policies (on renewable sources, greater efficiency, shale gas and interconnection of energy grids) could also play a role in reducing – if not completely eliminating – Europe’s dependence on Russian gas.

Source : © Union européenne, 2014 - PE

Étude - La stratégie énergétique de l’Union dans le sud de la Méditerranée - 06-06-2011

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:49:56 GMT

Analyse approfondie - The Russian Economy More than Just Energy ? - 29-01-2009

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:36:58 GMT

Executive summary Russia has enjoyed a decade of high economic growth because of the eventually successful market reforms in the 1990s but also an oil boom. For the last six years, however, the Russian economy has become increasingly dysfunctional because the authorities have done nothing to impede corruption. The energy sector has been a generator of corrupt revenues, and its renationalization has concentrated these corrupt incomes in the hands of the security police elite. Russia depends on the European Union for most of its exports and imports, but no free trade agreement is even on the horizon. Investments, by contrast, are relatively well secured through international conventions. In global governance, Russia has changed its attitude from being a joiner to becoming a spoiler. The disruption of supplies of Russian gas to Europe in January 2009 displayed all the shortfalls both of the Russian and Ukrainian gas sectors and of EU policy. The EU needs to play a more active role. It should monitor gas supplies, production, and storage. It should demand the exclusion of corrupt intermediaries in its gas trade. It should demand that Russia and Ukraine conclude a long-term transit and supply agreement. The EU should form a proper energy policy with energy conservation, diversification, unbundling, and increased storage. This is a good time to persuade Russia to ratify the Energy Charter. The EU should also demand that Ukraine undertake a market-oriented and transparent energy sector reform.

Source : © Union européenne, 2009 - PE

Étude - Directory of the Most Important Community Legislative Measures in Energy Policy - 01-05-1999

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:56:45 GMT

This study seeks to give an overview on legislation on energy policy. The full legal text has not been reproduced, but only a selection of those elements which may be of use in daily parliament work. The full references, however, make it possible for the reader to consult the complete legal text without difficulty.

Source : © Union européenne, 1999 - PE