Energy Companies Propose Rebuild of European Energy Policy
Following on from the formal call of May 21, 2013 to the European Council, Gérard Mestrallet CEO of GDF SUEZ and Paolo Scaroni CEO of ENI appeared before a European Parliament hearing. The event was jointly organized with Amalia Sartori (Chair of the EU Parliament’s Energy Committee) and took place in the presence of the European Commissioner for Energy, Günther Oettinger. The hearing was aimed at highlighting the risks of the EU’s present energy policy. Indeed, the efforts made…
Europe Deliberates Avoidance of a Second 'Deepwater Horizon'
A provisional deal on proposed legislation for the safety of offshore oil and gas operations has been struck by MEPs and Council negotiators. Before oil and gas firms can get a licence to drill, the directive would require them to submit major hazard reports and emergency response plans and prove their ability to remedy any environmental damage caused. "Europe learned its lessons from the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe and wants to reduce the risks of offshore oil and gas drilling to a minimum. Especially now that several member states are exploring new drilling operations, we need an efficient legislative framework. The previous directive is nearly 20 years old and does not guarantee the safety of offshore drilling operations in an adequate manner"…