MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
21.10.2008
by Marian Zlotea, Dragoş-Florin David and Rareş-Lucian Nicolescu
on establishing a reference price for gigacalories in the Member States
B6‑0576/2008
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on establishing a reference price for gigacalories in the Member States
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the agreement reached at the informal ECOFIN meeting held in Nice on 12 and 13 September 2008, and to Title XXI of the Treaty,
- having regard to the conclusions of the Presidency of the European Council of 19 and 20 June 2008,
– having regard to Rule 113 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas the variations which exist between Member States in the price of gigacalories are often unjustified and are far too high (the price in some Member States is two or three times what it is in others),
B. whereas charging high prices for gigacalories undermines European citizens' purchasing power, especially affecting low-income households,
C. having regard to the crucial importance of using non-polluting and environment-friendly technologies for producing thermal energy,
1. Believes it necessary to establish a reference price at EU level for gigacalories;
2. Considers that the Member States need to adopt short-term measures to offset the adverse impact on the least-favoured households;
3. Calls on the Commission to ensure compliance with EU competition rules, especially in the context of investigating and combating anti-competitive practices.