On May 4th in Brussels, a ceremony of singing the deed of incorporation of Central Europe Energy Partners (CEEP) was held. CEEP is a non-profit organisation bringing together business entities, research institutions and other Central European organisations operating in the energy sector.

The main objective of CEEP is to support the Central European energy sector integration within the framework of a common EU energy security policy. CEEP's activities will focus on: energy sources such as coal, gas, crude oil and renewable fuels, nuclear power; gas connectors; energy bridges connected with crude oil and fuels; greenhouse gases; storage of gases, crude oil and fuels; and other issues related to the energy sector.
CEEP intends to play a crucial role in initiating and giving opinions on EU directives. Moreover, it will conduct relevant analytical work and serve as a mouthpiece for its members from Central Europe.

The importance of this initiative is emphasised by the concurrent launch of a key project implemented under the common EU energy policy. On May 5th 2010, Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, and Jacques Delors, former President of the European Commission, proposed the establishment of a European Energy Community, proposing - among other things - joint purchases of energy by several member states. The originators of the project believe that the EU needs a stronger common energy policy. A policy which "while ensuring security of energy supply for all Europeans," "will guarantee access to energy at reasonable and stable prices, maintain its industrial competitiveness, and promote sustainable development and the transition to a low-carbon society."

As the initiative to found CEEP came from Poles, the founding members include: Polskie Forum Akademicko-Gospodarcze, Grupa LOTOS S.A., Energa S.A., Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa S.A. and Kulczyk Investments S.A.

CEEP is an open organisation. As far as we know, many companies from Central Europe have expressed interest in joining the organisation. It is expected that once its Articles of Association have been registered, after the summer holidays CEEP will be able to officially start its activities with a considerably higher number of members than just its initial founders. In view of the fact that energy security is high on the agenda of most EU presidencies, we expect that positive impact of CEEP in this area will be noticeable already towards the end of 2010.

Marcin Zachowicz, spokesperson for Grupa LOTOS S.A., ul. Elbląska 135, 80-718 Gdańsk, Poland, tel. +48 58 308 75 70, +48 505 050 454, e-mail: marcin.zachowicz@grupalotos.pl