·_ Energy End-Use Efficiency & Energy Services Directive: The UK’s Presidency aim is to progress negotiations in Energy Council in order to deliver increased energy-savings across EU. The Proposal for a Directive on energy end-use efficiency and energy services COM(2003) 739 has now been approved by Council and is due to undergo second reading in Parliament in October.

·_ Security of Electricity Supply and Gas Transmission Networks Directives: Both the Proposal for a directive concerning measures to safeguard security of electricity supply and infrastructure investment COM(2003) 740 and the Proposal for a Regulation on conditions for access to the gas transmission networks COM(2003) 741 have reached agreement with Parliament. The adoption is expected this by the end of September.

·_ European Energy Efficiency Initiative: The UK’s Presidency aim is to seek a package of measures that adds value at both a European and domestic level and is coherent with existing policy measures, particularly the EU Emissions Trading Scheme

·_ Work towards EU strategies on climate change and discussions on climate change, energy and competitiveness at Energy and Competitiveness Councils: The UK’s Presidency aim is to develop links between Environment and other Council formations, e.g. Energy and Competitiveness Councils, so that they engage in work on medium and long-term strategies and ensure compatibility with policy areas.

·_ EU-Russia Permanent Partnership Council: One of the 4 thematic priorities is energy efficiency to discuss areas for closer collaboration on energy efficiency. Thematic priorities will be discussed, and work towards a work programme for energy efficiency will carry on.

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