EU Energy Commissioner for Malta talks

European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs will have a series of meetings in Malta in April.

Commission sources yesterday told The Times the main aim of Mr Piebalgs' visit will be to discuss with the Maltese authorities the current energy issues facing the EU in view of the recent publication of a new EU energy strategy for the coming years.

Last month the EU published a comprehensive action plan to be followed by member states in the coming years aimed at combating climate change, promoting jobs and growth, and limiting the EU's external vulnerability to gas and oil imports.

The sources said that Mr Piebalgs, who will meet Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, will be reviewing some of Malta's outstanding issues in this sector particularly its need to establish a sound renewable energy policy and the liberalisation process of the inland fuel market. This is Mr Piebalgs' first visit to Malta.