The EU has today officially adopted measures to improve the transparency of intergovernmental energy agreements.

It hopes to correct shortcomings in the existing information exchange mechanism on energy contracts in order to improve the EU’s external relations and strengthen its negotiation position with third countries.

The definition of intergovernmental agreements was altered to include “international organisations” and “transit” in its scope.

The EU’s initial assessments of intergovernmental energy agreements will now also cover gas and oil with a standard review clause and all disagreements with assessments will need to be made in writing.

Konrad Mizzi, Minister for Energy of Malta, said: “We are very pleased to adopt this important legislative act during our Presidency, the first one under the Energy Union.

“This decision will strengthen transparency in negotiations with third countries on energy agreements, ensuring that  such agreements are fully compatible with Union law, thus contributing to energy security.”

The changes will be introduced in 2017.