- notes that in its CIS-policies (Commonwealth of Independent States), Russia has often used the energy card as a foreign policy tool. The gas dispute between Ukraine and Russia in January 2006 was the first one to also affect the gas import from Russia to some EU countries. This incident probably indicates similar cases in the future.

- notes that Russia favors agreement on energy issues on bilateral head of state levels. This policy effectively marginalizes possibilities for smaller EU member states to influence the price and supply of Russian energy to their countries. Europe should respond with a more coherent policy on the demand side.

- notes that Russia effectively tries to prevent possibilities for the Southern CIS states to develop alternative export routes for their energy supply through the Caucasus to Europe. It is in the common interest of the European Union and the Southern CIS states to increase competition on the supply of energy to Europe and, hence, the Commission should enlarge its energy policy in order to include an active approach to and dialogue with the Southern CIS states.

The ELDR Congress in Bucharest

•        calls upon the European Union member countries to put a strong emphasis on the energy issues between EU and Russia in their dialogue with Russia

•        wants a common energy policy for the EU including its relations with Russia

•         wants to give the European Commission a mandate for EU-level energy demand negotiations and agreements with Russia.

•        calls upon the European Commission to work actively with the Southern CIS and Mediterranean states in order to develop alternative export routes for their energy supply to Europe.