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News Releases
No. 34/07
March 27, 2007
COMMISSIONER PIEBALGS WELCOMES INCREASED COOPERATION WITH US ON ENERGY ISSUES
European
Energy Commissioner
Andris Piebalgs
welcomed the increased cooperation with the United
States in the field of
energy supply and security
following his meeting with US Energy Secretary Samuel W.
Bodman yesterday.
“I am pleased with our progress made especially towards
developing a joint approach on biofuels including the
second generation biofuels," said Commissioner Piebalgs.
"However new technologies are only part of the picture.
The efficient use of energy is also a key element and I
believe that in this sphere the EU has a lot to offer in
terms of know-how and best practice."
Commissioner Piebalgs is currently on a two-day visit to
Washington where he is meeting several high-ranking
energy officials and a number of political leaders. His
visit comes just after the adoption of the
Energy Policy
for Europe and in the run-up to the next
EU-US Summit
[April 30].
Following last year's declaration to increase strategic
energy cooperation, the European Commission has worked closely
with the US authorities on a wide range of energy
issues. Research is the key area for cooperation,
particularly in biofuels development and energy
efficiency.
The European Union and the United States agreed at their
Summit in Vienna on June 21, 2006 to develop strategic
energy cooperation and therefore contribute to global
energy security. Bilateral cooperation has been
strengthened notably on biofuels, clean coal and carbon
sequestration, energy efficiency, methane recovery and,
more generally, on energy security issues. Both sides
also agreed to take stock of progress by holding
periodic Strategic Energy Reviews, which will also take
place during the Commissioner's visit.
For further information, including Commissioner Piebalgs
speech at the European Institute "Towards enhanced
cooperation between the EU and the US" and his
Press Briefing, please visit:
http://www.eurunion.org/newsweb/HotTopics/energy.htm
.
Further Contact Information
Press and Public Diplomacy
Delegation of the European Commission
2300 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
http://www.eurunion.org/PressRoom
Tel: 202-862-9552
Fax: 202-429-1766
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