New EU regulations adopted by Parliament on March 2, 2017 govern energy supply agreements with non-EU nations.
Member states must now notify the EU Commission before negotiating energy supply deals with third countries. Previously, EU member states were required to submit such agreements to the Commission only after signature.
The Commission may provide guidance through model clauses and advise on EU law compatibility. Upon request, it may observe negotiations. If concerns arise, the Commission has five weeks to notify the member state, followed by a 12-week period to issue a compliance opinion.
If a member state’s ratified agreement disregards the Commission’s opinion, it must “explain to the Commission in writing the reasons for its decision” without delay.
This framework strengthens EU oversight of energy security matters involving external parties, centralizing review procedures that previously occurred post-agreement.