Box 19D Key European Union policy initiatives
The CEC's energy support
programmes, JOULE, Thermie, SAVE, Altener research and development, demonstration and funding programmes for new
energy technologies, information dissemination and promotion of innovation. Actions have focused on energy efficiency and
renewables, in support of the CEC's carbon dioxide stabilisation target.
Fifth Environmental Action
Programme
Towards Sustainability
sets the EU approach for achieving sustainable development and requires a move
towards a less carbon-intensive economic structure.
Internal energy market aims to allow
free movement of energy, improve security of supply and improve competitiveness. Will lead to increased
trade in gas and electricity, with expected slightly lower costs.
CO
2
/energy tax
fiscal mechanism aimed at stabilising carbon dioxide emissions in 2000 at 1990 levels. The
proposed tax on fuels of an equivalent of $3 per barrel of oil in the first year would rise to the equivalent of $10 in the
final year of introduction (around 2000).
Energy Cooperation Programmes, PHARE, TACIS,
European Energy Charter, Regional Energy Programmes: cooperation programmes between the EU and countries in Central and
Eastern Europe, and the rest of the former USSR. Establishment of a pan-Europe energy agreement between the EU and
Central and Eastern Europe to exchange technologies for energy development and emissions control and facilitate the
exploitation of resources.