EU summit backs Commission’s ‘Energy Union’ plans

During the European Council on 19 March 2014, EU leaders decided to support the single market for power and gas based on better connections between member states, also known as Energy Union.

Among other objectives, this project aimed at achieving less secretive gas contracts to curb Russia's dominant position in the gas market. Gazprom warned on 13 April 2015 that these plans would result in higher gas prices.

• Primary Source

European Parliament: 19.03.15: Schulz: 'Energy union is a historic project' http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20150317STO35034/

ESO: Key source: Energy Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/energy-union/

EurActiv, 17.03.15: Member states reassert sovereignty over energy mix ahead of EU summit http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/member-states-reassert-sovereignty-over-energy-mix-ahead-eu-summit-312966

European Council: Press Release, 19.03.15: European Council Conclusions on the Energy Union (19 March 2015) http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/03/conclusions-energy-european-council-march-2015/

EUObserver, 19.03.15: EU leaders agree 'Energy Union' blueprint https://euobserver.com/news/128079

EurActiv, 20.03.15: Athens opposes EU energy strategy, blocks privatisations http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/athens-opposes-eu-energy-strategy-blocks-privatizations-313102

EUObserver, 20.03.15: EU leaders want Energy Union: but what do they mean? https://euobserver.com/energy/128093

ESO: Background information: Energy Union: secure, sustainable, competitive, affordable energy for every European http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-energy-union-secure-sustainable-competitive-affordable-energy-for-every-european/

EUObserver, 14.04.15: Gazprom chief warns EU on higher gas prices https://euobserver.com/energy/128306

EurActiv, 21.05.15: Renewables jobs in EU drop, but rise worldwide http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/renewables-jobs-eu-drop-rise-worldwide-314740

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