EU unveils sustainable energy security package

Brussels, Feb 17: The European Commission, or the executive body of the European Union (EU), unveiled its energy security package with necessary proposals to equip the EU for global energy transition as well as to be prepared for possible energy supply interruptions.

The package sets out a wide range of measures to strengthen the EU's resilience to gas supply disruptions, Xinhua cited a commission statement as saying on Tuesday.

These measures include moderating energy demand, increasing energy production in Europe (including from renewables), further developing a well-functioning and fully integrated internal energy market, and diversification of energy sources, suppliers and routes.

Furthermore, the proposals bring more transparency to the European energy market and create more solidarity between the EU member states, the statement said.

Energy security dimension is one of the cornerstones of the energy union strategy, a key political priority of the Juncker commission.

"Today's package focuses on the security of our supply but touches upon all three overarching goals. By reducing our energy demand and better managing our supply from external sources we are delivering on our promise and enhancing the stability of Europe's energy market," Vice-President responsible for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic said.

The commission said it calls on the European Parliament and the council of the EU to turn Tuesday's proposals into legislation "very quickly as a matter of priority" to increase Europe's resilience to potential energy disruptions.