Commission Work Programme for 2007: Energy at the top of the policy agenda

The European Commission adopted this week its work programme for 2007. The work programme was conceived and presented in a significantly different way than in previous years. It identifies 21 strategic initiatives that will be the main focus of the Commission’s political delivery in 2007.

The Commission proposes a “More focused Work Programme for the future” with a list of priorities covering issues like prosperity and modernization of the European economy, ensuring a high level of security and justice, increasing environmental protection, sustainable management and use of natural resources, and health and wellbeing for European citizens. It also includes a list of priorities for communicating with citizens, better regulation and simplification initiatives.

Energy has climbed to the top of the agenda. The urgency of tackling climate change, the increasing dependence on imports and higher energy prices have shown that energy supplies can no longer be taken for granted.

The Commission will present the first Strategic Energy Review for Europe accompanied by an Action Plan. This will put forward a long-term approach to improve the internal market, foster the use of new technologies, diversify and secure supplies, control demand and improve energy efficiency. Alongside, it will also put forward a Green Paper on options for EU climate change policy and international cooperation post 2012.

The revision of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and additional measures to complete the internal market for electricity and gas are also foreseen.