International

EU steps towards energy solidarity mechanism

19.03.2010 11:56

The European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy has passed a bill on a EU mutual assistance programme, which an MEP has described as “satisfactory” to Poland‘s interests.

The final draft stipulates that European countries respond if a given region’s third-party gas supplies drop by ten percent.

MEP Jacek Saryusz-Wolski: "The threshold level for initiating a EU state of emergency is satisfactory for Poland."

The document also provides for a European-wide network of gas pipelines, with reverse flow capacity. In line with the new programme, EU states would be able to freely sell natural gas reserves to countries facing gas shortages. Such action has so far been impossible due to Gazprom’s monopoly transit.

The European Parliament is to hear the first reading of the draft in May. (ab)

Comments: 7 Add new comment

Maciej Skiba

19/03/2010 20:52:27

It's about time, this does not go far enough, but at least its a start.

Alex

20/03/2010 10:12:43

An important correction: contrary to what the article states, Gazprom doesn't have monopoly for natural gas transit outside of Russia.

Maciej Skiba

20/03/2010 10:17:46

Good correction Alex, Gazprom should be replaced by Kremlin. Cause in the end any company that wants to keep doing business in Russia has to tow the Kremlin line.

Maciej Skiba

20/03/2010 10:32:27

Let's put it this way many if not the majority of Russia's energy companies are corrupt (and many other industries but lets not get too complex). The problem isn't Russia going after these businesses because it should go after corruption. The problem is that it goes after businesses selectively. So for example a company that is corrupt that does the Kremlin biding its overlooked, while another company that dares challenge the Kremlin is attacked. What signal does that send? You can be corrupt as long as you do what we say. But in reality the signal should be we go after all corrupt companies regardless if you do what is politically beneficial to us.

Maciej Skiba

20/03/2010 10:43:19

Now granted not to be hypocritical (this happens in all country's maybe to a lessor extent but it does happen), but the beauty of a true democracy is that one company in favor now will be out when the opposition comes to power. So they have to tread carefully, not to be overly political. Problem is with Russia's one party system, there is much little of a checks and balance.

That's why a multi-party system is the way to go, America does have a bi-party system, I prefer more parties (but thats a separate discussion), regardless its much better than the one party state.

Maciej Skiba

20/03/2010 10:47:44

Forgive my grammar, "much little", lol

Maciej Skiba

20/03/2010 11:13:23

I guess with further thought theres problems with a multi party system also. Sometimes a party elected by a small amount of people is able to get more power than it should for the simple fact is that the majority power needs it in the coalition to govern. There's disadvantages and advantages as in all things in life. I still prefer the multi party (without getting to in depth) but nevertheless what I do know for sure is a one party state is not the answer.

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