MEPs debate on the EU action on oil exploration and extraction in Europe, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Brussels

debate

oil and gas market (T)

LEINEN, Jo (S&D, DE)

OETTINGER, Günther (DE, EC)

CHASTEL, Olivier (Renew, BE)

EU action on oil exploration and extraction in Europe: extract from the debate

SOUNDBITE (German), Jo LEINEN (S&amp;D, DE), In our resolution we say that it would be appropriate to introduce a moratorium, in particular on new applications for deep sea drilling, until we have a full understanding of exactly what is necessary and how we can make up for the shortcomings. I think that citizens in Europe are expecting us to ensure that there is safety and security in all 27 member states, namely for all EU seas.

SOUNDBITE (German), Jo LEINEN (S&amp;D, DE), The question is whether the EU would be prepared to deal with such a disaster? What control mechanisms are in place? what intervention mechanisms are in place if such a disaster would occur?

SOUNDBITE (German), Jo LEINEN (S&amp;D, DE), Commissioner, you are responsible for Energy. Offshore oil has its problems, offshore wind would be better! I think this debate opens the way to having a new type of energy policy in Europe, for which you are responsible.

SOUNDBITE (French), Olivier CHASTEL, on behalf of the Belgian Presidency, We don't want a regulatory framework that would be such a burden for this industry that it would loose profitability. But we must ensure that drillings are carried out safely, particularly at a stage when resources on land are declining.

SOUNDBITE (German), G&#252;nther OETTINGER, Member of the EC in charge of Budget and Human Resources, Our objective is to have the highest security standard worldwide for the waters that are under our control. He enumerates all EU border and inside seas.

SOUNDBITE (German), G&#252;nther OETTINGER, Member of the EC in charge of Budget and Human Resources, I am interested in seeing how can we export our security standards throughout the world. Now BP is saying that they are going to impose this kind of security measures in Libya. Well, that gives us an idea on how we could get the commitment of the European energy industry, particularly BP, Shell, Total... We could get a commitment ensuring that the same strict standards that they use within the authority of the EU are voluntarily transferred to neighbouring regions.