EU moves toward single energy policy

THE European Union took its first step towards creating a single energy policy last night but countries made it clear there are limits to how far they will cooperate.

Ireland, which imports 90% of its energy needs and is the EU’s most dependent member, is to publish its own energy policy in the next few months, Finance Minister Brian Cowen confirmed.

A plan to replace the 25 national energy policies with one under the eye of a European Regulator met with a lukewarm reception in Brussels last night.