Sec. 3. United States-European Union energy council
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Congress finds the following: The United States–European Union Energy Council ( Council ) was established in 2009 to deepen coordination on transatlantic energy matters, including research and development cooperation. The Secretary of State co-chairs the Council with the Secretary of Energy for the United States. The High Representative for External Affairs and the Vice President for Energy Union and Commissioner for Energy and Climate serve as co-chairs for the European Union.
The Council provides a high-level, bilateral method to address energy issues, including means to develop alternatives to Russian-supplied gas in Europe, in order to promote European security. It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Energy should convene, in coordination with the European Union co-chairs, a meeting of the Council on an annual basis, and that the next such meeting should occur not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, shall submit to Congress a report on the comprehensive strategy of the United States to support European energy security that also includes an analysis of each of the following: Energy supplies that could be provided by the United States or other allies to European countries. Steps to reduce European reliance on Russian energy sources. Methods to accelerate emerging energy sources or related technologies.
Potential industrial partnerships, international financing arrangements, and trade agreements to bolster European energy security. Legal and political considerations that could unnecessarily hinder the United States or allied countries from supporting European energy needs.