EU launches group to watch for energy crises

Brussels, May 11: The European Union launched a new group of experts today to help coordinate action and exchange information in times of energy crises.

The Network of Energy Security Correspondents (NESCO) includes representatives from the 27 EU nations and the executive European Commission with a mandate to provide an ''early warning'' when risks to EU energy supplies emerge.

Officials called the group a step forward in the 27-nation bloc's efforts to speak with one voice on energy issues.

Energy has moved to the top of the EU policy agenda after disputes between Russia -- the EU's biggest supplier -- and Ukraine and Belarus respectively led to disruptions of supply to Europe.

Reuters>