During the EP plenary session (23-26 October) in Strasbourg, Antonio TAJANI, EP President and Matti MAASIKAS, Estonian Presidency of the Council with Jerzy BUZEK (EPP ,PL), Rapporteur, sign electronically, for the first time, new rules on "Security of gas supply".

electronic signature

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

Strasbourg

MAASIKAS, Matti (EE)

DORNEANU, Valer (RO)

oil and gas market (T)

BUZEK, Jerzy (EPP, PL)

Digital signature on "Security of gas supply" by Antonio TAJANI, EP President and Matti MAASIKAS, Estonian Presidency of the Council with Jerzy BUZEK (EPP ,PL), Rapporteur (extracts) and illustrative pictures

Arrival of Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Matti MAASIKAS, Deputy Minister for EU Affairs of Estonia and Jerzy BUZEK (EPP, PL), rapporteur

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Now, for the first time, the European Parliament and the European Council met for an electronic signature. We will sign electronically the regulation measures to safeguard the security of gas supply. Energy security is very important for the European Union.

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Gas supply will no longer be used as a political weapon or an instrument for blackmail. The new rules will also improve regional cooperation and make our Energy Union stronger.

SOUNDBITE (English), Matti MAASIKAS, Estonian Deputy Minister for EU Affairs, Today, for the first time we are singing a European legal act electronically. It is a small step for an Estonian but it's potentially a giant leap for European administration, and it is certainly something for the EU digital history books. The e-signature we affix today will have the same legal validity as a hand-written signature. It is a 100% valid way to conduct businesses, to execute procedures and to express a commitment in Europe.

Extracts of the electronic signing of both Antonio TAJANI, EP President and Matti MAASIKAS, Deputy Minister for EU Affairs of Estonia - digital screen showing the electronic signature.

Family picture: Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Matti MAASIKAS, Deputy Minister for EU Affairs of Estonia and Jerzy BUZEK (EPP, PL), rapporteur

Illustration shots - gas supply (7 shots)