On 1 January 2009 Spain took over the Presidency of the European Union, a position which it will hold throughout the first half of 2010.

At the informal meeting of Energy Ministers of the EU held in Seville in mid-January, a document drawn up by the Spanish Presidency was presented, setting out some of the objectives which are to be pursued during the Spanish mandate. The three main aspects in this regard are here set out:

• The need to have in place more and better energy interconnection infrastructure, it being felt that this represents an essential element for security of supply and competitiveness, improved administration of output from renewable energy sources and the creation of a true internal market.
• During the Spanish Presidency the 2010 Spring Council will be required to adopt the new 2010-14 Energy Action Plan for the EU, establishing the fundamental framework of European energy policy for the coming years, and setting out the strategic vision of objectives for 2030 and 2050.
• European energy strategies must focus on guaranteeing citizens access to clean, secure energy at prices in line with their well-being and advancement, based on three essential pillars: sustainability, competitiveness and security of supply, along with the newly added external dimension.

Regarding cross-border interconnections, the document drawn up by the Spanish Presidency presented in Seville indicates that the need to put in place better developed interconnection infrastructure was one of the aspects given greatest priority by the Spanish Presidency, given its belief that this represents a key element in creating a true internal market covering the entire EU, guaranteeing security of supply and, in the specific case of electricity, better integration of renewable energy output.

It should be remembered in this regard that one of the priorities of the European Commission is the creation of a competitive, interconnected and greener economy.

We must also continue and strengthen the launch of priority trans-European interconnection projects, such as the Baltic Ring, the Maritime Wind Network and the EU's West and Southeast gas connections.

The Presidency placed particular emphasis on the Mediterranean Ring as a priority connection infrastructure in one of the EU's neighbourhood areas offering the greatest potential for cooperation and the diversification of energy sources.