After numerous presidencies where energy was a top priority, both in terms of commitment and action, Spain’s six-month tenure may see a return to a more technical approach. On the agenda will be final adoption of three packages of measures on energy efficiency left over from the Swedish Presidency: the proposed directives on the energy performance of buildings, energy labelling and tyre labelling for fuel efficiency. Discussion may start on a revised action plan for energy efficiency, originally promised by the Commission for November 2009. However, the proposal may be further delayed.

The real centre-piece for the Spanish Presidency, though, will be two measures on security of gas supply and energy investment reporting. With memories fading of the gas crisis in January 2009, member states appear increasingly critical of both proposals. The Commission has been attacked for claiming excessive powers in crisis management and prevention in its July 2009 proposal on security of gas supply. The Presidency will also aim for more clarification on the complicated N-1 standard for the security of gas supply.

In achieving political agreement on both pieces of legislation, Spain will have to deal not least of all with member states’ concerns over national sovereignty and the need to protect the confidentiality of the company information requested by the Commission. For both proposals, the Spaniards will have to positively channel member states’ reticence when it comes to the “added” value of the Commission’s proposal and fears of any extra administrative burdens. The European Parliament shares many of these concerns.

As for the Commission’s proposal for a Council Regulation setting notification requirements for energy investment projects, various reporting obligations now exist aside from the current Regulation (736/96). Additionally, ten-year gas and electricity network development plans are being prepared under the third internal energy market package. All this may mean less support by member states for the Commission’s proposal aimed at gaining a better overview of energy infrastructure investment trends in the EU.

RENEWED ENERGY POLICY FOR EUROPE

Spain will have to ensure a speedy review of the Action Plan ‘Energy Policy for Europe’ to be given at the 2010 Spring European Council. This should set the framework for EU energy policy. Spain, together with its future EU Presidency partners Belgium and Hungary, promises to give special attention to “territorial and social cohesion” as far as access to energy supply is concerned. The plan should intensify action to promote renewable energy, energy efficiency of buildings, energy infrastructure, as well as eco-friendly means of transport and products.

In terms of concrete infrastructure projects, Spain promises, together with its two trio partners, to identify barriers to investment, including ways to streamline planning and consultation procedures, particularly for interconnection projects. The projects concerned

include six infrastructure elements of the Commission’s November 2008 Second Strategic Energy Review. These are the Southern gas corridor; Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG); interconnection of the Baltic region; Mediterranean Energy Ring; adequate North-South gas and electricity interconnections within Central and South-East Europe and the North

SEA AS WELL AS THE NORTH WEST OFFSHORE GRID

Other related topics that will figure on the agenda are how to mobilise information communication technologies to facilitate an energy-efficient and low-carbon economy. The Spanish Presidency, together with the European Commission, will hold a high-level conference (23-24 February 2010) as a follow up to the Commission’s October 2009 Recommendation. Spain also aims to endorse the Commission’s communication on “investing in the development of low carbon technologies”, possibly at the March European Council.

The Spanish Presidency kicks off with its informal energy and environment Council in Seville on 15-17 January.