The European Energy Security Strategy approved by the European Parliament’s Commitee on Environment today is of high importance to Malta as it referred directly to the energy isolated member states, MEP Miriam Dalli said.
Dr Dalli, who represented S&D in the negotiations which led to final document on this strategy, said she had been stressing on the need for the Council and the Commission to address energy isolated islands and to give the needed priority and financial push to projects of common interest which included a gas-pipeline between Malta and Sicliy.
“The need for this push was acknowledged by the European heads of governments in the conclusions to the October Council and now also in this strategy,” she stated.
The strategy addresses medium and long-term security of supply, increasing energy efficiency, increasing energy production in the EU and diversifying supplier countries and routes, completing the internal energy market and building missing infrastructure links.
The negotiations among the different political groups resulted in a strong final compromise text which includes three main achievements which were being pushed forward specifically by Dr Dalli.
The main achievement is the focus on addressing the EU’s energy isolated islands by developing more energy interconnections of gas and electricity with mainland Europe and with a particular emphasis on interconnections in the southern European countries.
Another issue highlighted by Dr Dalli was the need for more focus on renewable energy and innovative energy technologies that can secure a stable energy supply at affordable prices for both citizens and enterprises.
The strategy acknowledges the fact that natural gas in the power generation, heating, road transport and maritime sectors could contribute to an effective transition to a completely decarbonised EU energy mix.
“It was no easy ride however we managed to get a solid compromise text as a result of the hard work at the negotiation and amendments stage. I am satisfied with the final position and I am glad that the environment committee approved the work that has been done,” Dr Dalli said.