EU member states planning to sign an energy supply agreement with third countries will have to await the European Commission’s opinion first before forging ahead with the deal to ensure compliance with EU law.

The requirement is part of a wide package of proposals presented yesterday in Brussels, through which the Commission aims to ensure better security of supply and move closer to an energy union.

The measure, however will not affect the 18-year gas supply agreement signed by the Maltese government for the new Delimara power plant, as the supplier, Electrogas, is a private consortium.

It will not affect the 18-year gas supply agreement signed by the Maltese government for the new Delimara power plant

Though the project was originally scheduled for completion in March last year, doubts have also emerged on the revised date set for June. While insisting that the power plant would be up and running by summer, Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi a few days ago would not commit himself to a specific date.

The Commission’s proposals aim to moderate energy demand, increase production across the EU including renewable sources, develop the energy market further and diversify sources, suppliers and routes.

The plan was presented in the wake of the recently signed climate change agreement at the Paris COP21 conference in December.

Being the world biggest importer of liquefied natural gas, the new EU policy also includes a strategy aimed to address significant regional disparities in access to LNG. The plan aims to strengthen the existing infrastructure especially for member states depending on a single source.

In this respect Malta is seeking to tap EU funds for the construction of a submarine gas pipeline with Sicily which would supply the new power plant, thus avoiding the need for a permanently-moored tanker at Marsaxlokk Bay.