L7/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 13.1.1999 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 14 December 1998 adopting a multiannual framework programme for actions in the energy sector (1998-2002) and connected measures (1999/21/EC, Euratom) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community and, in particular, Article 235 thereof, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community and, in particular, Article 203 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ('), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parlia- ment (%), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (%), Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (*), (1) Whereas the Commission communicated its views on the future of Community energy policy to the Council in its White Paper ‘An energy policy for the European Union’ of 13 December 1995; whereas the Council adopted a resolution on this White Paper on 8 July 1996 (%) (2) Whereas energy is a vital factor in the economic and social development of the Community; (3) Whereas the Community’s dependence on external energy supplies is set to increase significantly in the years to come; OJ C 46, 11. 2. 1998, p. 7. O] C 328, 26. 10. 1998. O] C 214, 10. 7. 1998, p. 44. O] C 315, 13. 10. 1998, p. 1. O] C 224, 1. 8. 1996, p. 1. ) Whereas the competitiveness of European business is heavily influenced by the level of energy costs; Whereas it is necessary for the quality of life of citizens to ensure that the development of energy production and consumption is compatible with environmental protection objectives; Whereas, in view of the strategic challenges facing the Community, the objectives of energy actions should focus in particular on security of supply, competitiveness and protection of the environ- ment; Whereas the balanced achievement of these objec- tives requires particular attention to be devoted to the transparency, coherence and coordination of all of the energy actions taken at Community level; Whereas the Council, when it adopted Regulation (EC) No 701/97 of 14 April 1997 amending a programme to promote international cooperation in the energy sector — Synergy programme (), considered that it would be opportune for the Commission to present a communication on all the Community programmes with an energy component, which could be followed by a proposal on the establishment of a framework programme for energy; () OJ L 104, 22. 4. 1997, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regu- lation (EC) No 2598/97 (OJ L 351, 23. 12. 1997, p.16)