MINUTES UPEI BOARD MEETING FFPI Office, Paris Monday, 20 April h30 16h00

Transcription

1 MINUTES UPEI BOARD MEETING FFPI Office, Paris Monday, 20 April h30 16h00 Present: Thierry De Meulder, President (TDM) Erik De Vries, Vice President (EDV) Ivan Indraček, Vice President (II) Emmanuel Riu, Vice President (ER) Teresa Sayers, Vice President (TS) Yvonne Stausbøll, Secretary General (YS) Alessandra De Zottis, Policy Officer Actions Open actions from the previous Board Meeting of 26 January 2015: Communications with the Board - YS to run a test for conference calls. UPEI Identity - the UPEI Secretariat to prepare the skeleton of the matrix of interests and circulate it to Members Stakeholder meeting on Transport Fuels - YS to discuss with the UPEI TWG New Actions: The Board agreed that each VP will draft a position on the (Energy Union) dimension of their responsibility, with the assistance of the UPEI Secretariat/Tutors), that they will present to Members at the Spring meeting for discussion and agreement. UPEI Secretariat to prepare a template for the presentation of Country Reports (containing information on the size of the national market and the size of the federation in that market) and each presentation should not exceed 5 minutes. YS to provide feedback from the Board to HICSELES on the Boiler plate and Baseline, with a view to presenting to the Board a refined proposal for each, together with the draft logo. It was agreed that a conference call may be required in order to reach a conclusion on the final proposals. YS to circulate the documents on the financial situation of UPEI to the Board as soon as it is ready. II will propose to PIPP that YS visits Warsaw to discuss PIPP s membership before the end of June. The Board agreed that the possibility of registering for VAT should be pursued and discussed at the Spring meeting. However, given the size of Germany s membership fee contribution, it would be important to obtain feedback from MEW on the feasibility of this proposal, before discussing with the full membership. YS to contact W. Dornhof (MEW). TDM/II/YS to explore further the possibility/conditions of future Associate Membership of LDTA as well as national associations in other countries not yet represented by UPEI. 1

2 Board/UPEI Secretariat/TWG to work on preparing an initial draft position on sustainable transport for presentation to members at the Spring meeting. YS to discuss with Rainer Winzenried on preparatory work necessary to draft UPEI input for the Heating and Cooling Strategy. Proposed to invite members at the Spring meeting to join a working group so that a position can be developed not later than early July. This Could be subsequently discussed with Eurofuel with a view to presenting a join position in September. EdV to investigate priorities of the upcoming Dutch Presidency to the EU and intensify contacts with the authorities and report back on opportunities to be pursued (also in BXL through the Perm Rep). Decisions The Board agreed to the following split of responsibilities based on the dimensions of the Energy Union Strategy: Moderation of Completion of Security of Demand and the internal Decarbonisation R&D supply Energy market Efficiency Emmanuel Riu FR Teresa Sayers UK Ivan Indracek CZ Erik de Vries NL Not applicable The next Board meeting on the afternoon of 28 May, was confirmed. The following Members will be asked to present their country reports/market situation at the Spring Meeting: - Czech Republic - France - Germany - Italy - Slovenia - UK The Board agreed to go ahead with the development of a new logo/visual identity for UPEI. The Board agreed on European oil trade s voice as the most suitable option for a baseline, but made a number of suggestions to be communicated to the consultants so that it could be further refined It was agreed to amend Alessandra De Zottis s contract to make it full time for the period 1 May 30 June, in order to address the increased workload associated with the development of the new website (in particular the new material that needs to be produced). This will be financed from the overall budget foreseen for the development of the new website 1. Welcome and adoption of draft agenda Thierry De Meulder (TDM) welcomed the Board and thanked Emmanuel Riu and Isabelle Anthouard for hosting the meeting at the FFPI in Paris, and for the excellent organisation. He informed the participants that the FFPI President, Mr Dimitri Xylinas and Isabelle would join the Board for lunch. He acknowledged the past months have kept the UPEI Secretariat very busy and expressed his appreciation for the constant involvement of the tutors and other experts who help us deal with the Brussels maze. With the publication of the Energy Union 2

3 Strategy, he stressed the importance to find ways to share responsibilities and coordinate in order to cover all the main issues relevant to UPEI. Yvonne Stausbøll (YS), presented progress made on the action points agreed during the last Board meeting of 26 January. 2. Division of Responsibilities of the Board In January a geographical split of responsibilities within the Board was agreed upon. In the meantime, TDM had issued a proposal for a sectorial split based on the 4 dimensions of main relevance to UPEI of the Energy Union (also reflecting the new structure of the European Commission), i.e. security of supply, completion of the internal market, moderation of demand and energy efficiency, decarbonisation. Erik de Vries (EdV) questioned how UPEI would know which dimension a dossier falls into. YS clarified that most dossiers would feed into more than one dimension allowing a cross-fertilisation between the work of the tutors and the VPs (sectorial and geographical responsibilities). It would also mean that UPEI would have a structure permitting responses on a technical level through the tutors and on a more strategic level through the VPs/Board. EdV then proposed to UPEI to prepare position papers accordingly in order to deliver consistent messages with regards to the dimensions of the Energy Union. There was a brief discussion on the content of each of the dimensions of the Energy Union. With regards to the completion of internal market, YS stressed that the Commission s strategy focusses on gas and electricity and the need for completion of infrastructure and interconnectivity. However, UPEI could use this dimension to raise issues concerning barriers to trade and the need for a level playing field. YS added that Raimundo Baroja (UPI, Spain) has been appointed as tutor for compulsory oil stocks and is therefore directly involved in the issue of security of supply. She also informed the Board about the upcoming meeting on 5 May with the new head of unit for security of supply. In this context, Emanuel Riu (ER)informed about a new issue for France which concerns the obligation that 5.5% of crude oil imports should be transported by vessels under the French Flag. It was agreed that ER would discuss this with Raimundo in advance of the meeting on 5 May. Decision: The Board agreed to the following split of responsibilities based on the dimensions of the Energy Union Strategy: Security of supply Emmanuel Riu FR Completion of the internal market Teresa Sayers UK Moderation of Demand and Energy Efficiency Ivan Indracek CZ Decarbonisation Erik de Vries NL R&D Not applicable Action: the Board agreed that each VP will draft a position on the dimension of their responsibility, with the assistance of the UPEI Secretariat/Tutors), that they will present to Members at the Spring meeting for discussion and agreement. 3

4 3. General Meetings UPEI Spring Meeting (Brussels, May) YS presented the programme and the draft agenda of the two half-day internal meetings and explained that the agenda would probably have to be adjusted in the light of developments on the Energy Union and the Board s discussion today. Decision: The next Board meeting on the afternoon of 28 May, was confirmed. Decision: the following Members will be asked to present their country reports/market situation at the Spring Meeting: - Czech Republic - France - Germany - Italy - Slovenia - UK The other members will be asked to make their presentations at the Autumn Meeting. Action: UPEI to prepare a template for the presentation of Country Reports (containing information on the size of the national market and the size of the federation in that market) and each presentation should not exceed 5 minutes. UPEI Autumn Meeting (Edinburgh, 7-8 October) YS presented the draft programme of the Autumn Meeting which is hosted by DCC Energy. The DCC will be asked to present this programme at the Spring Meeting. 4. UPEI Communications Annual Report 2014 YS updated the Board on the new timetable for the completion of the UPEI Annual Report which has been reviewed to integrate the results of the corporate identity exercise Deadline for draft text of Annual Report First draft Second draft, final correction phase Spring Meeting Final agreement Publication TDM stressed that, for sake of transparency, all Members have to agree on the corporate identity. At the Spring Meeting, UPEI will present the outcome of the exercise. UPEI Corporate Identity YS presented the work done on the corporate identity to date, and the main recommendation by the consultancy HICSELES to define a new logo for UPEI with a strong visual identity which would allow us to drop the explanation of the UPEI acronym and rather use UPEI as a proper name with a new baseline. This would mean replacing UPEI s current visual identity (blue and yellow stars which resembles an EU institution) with an identity that reflects UPEI s real identity and mission. 4

5 Decision: The Board agreed to go ahead with the development of a new logo/visual identity for UPEI. The Board discussed the various proposals for a base line which had been proposed by HICLELES after a thorough analysis as well as interviews with TDM, YS and some members. European oil trade s voice Supplying competitive energies Fuelling the European economy Experienced and solution oriented Let s upgrade energy Your economy needs our energy The discussion focussed on the two highlighted proposals and in particular the first, which the Board agreed better reflected the nature of UPEI as an association, as opposed to its membership. Decision: The Board agreed on European oil trade s voice as the most suitable option for a baseline, but made a number of suggestions to be communicated to the consultants so that it could be further refined. The Board also discussed the draft boiler plate which is a short text of only a few paragraphs, clearly defining UPEI s identity and mission. This text should then be used in all statements and communications, and can be complemented by other material. The Board discussed the proposal at length, suggesting amendments that would highlight in particular the positive characteristics of the independent oil supply companies, notably their flexibility to respond rapidly to changes on the market, the fact that they bring competition to the market and their knowledge of the market. Action: YS to provide feedback from the Board to HICSELES on the Boiler plate and Baseline, with a view to presenting to the Board a refined proposal for each, together with the draft logo. It was agreed that a conference call may be required in order to reach a conclusion on the final proposals. UPEI Website YS presented the progress that has been made on the website, in particular the structure of the public pages. The structure of the members only area is being worked on in a second phase. EdV commented that links to social media should be included. YS confirmed that this was foreseen although these links would not be activated in the first phase. Decision: It was agreed to amend Alessandra De Zottis s contract to make it full time for the period 1 May 30 June, in order to address the increased workload associated with the development of the new website (in particular the new material that needs to be produced). This will be financed from the overall budget foreseen for the development of the new website. 5

6 5. Finances UPEI Accounts 2014 The Board members had received a full copy of the 2014 accounts which had also been reviewed by the auditor, TDM. YS presented the comparison between the 2014 budget and the results for 2014 and clarified a number of points raised. The Board approved the accounts. UPEI Financial Situation 2015 (1st quarter) The UPEI financial situation for the first quarter of 2015 is in the process of being finalised by the accountant. The Board will be informed and will receive the documents in advance of the Spring Meeting, where the financial situation will be presented. Action: YS to circulate the documents to the Board as soon as possible. Internal Control System YS confirmed that the internal control system as agreed at the previous Board meeting of January is fully in place: TDM systematically approves all UPEI invoices prior to payment. Appointment of the Auditor for 2015 UPEI needs to appoint a new auditor to replace TDM to avoid any conflict of interest with his position as President. It was agreed to approach Nicolas Storme (UPB, Belgium) who has since confirmed his willingness, subject to Members agreement at the Spring meeting. Membership fees YS informed that there are outstanding membership fees from Croatia. The indications are that this is a processing problem. Board members had been informed of PIPP s (PL) request to pay their membership fees for 2015 in instalments. YS confirmed that, in the meantime, a first instalment of 2000 had been received. However, there are some doubts over PIPP s continued membership in 2016 due to the fee level. Ivan Indraček (II) confirmed that he had been in contact with PIPP and that there are difficulties. He suggested that YS should visit PIPP and discuss prospects directly with them. Action: II will propose to PIPP that YS visits Warsaw to discuss PIPP s membership before the end of June. VAT TDM informed the Board about the possibility for UPEI to have a VAT number. The Association is currently paying a lot of VAT without the possibility to claim it back. If it did register for a VAT number, it would be able to recuperate around 10,000 EUR/year. A survey was launched by the UPEI Secretariat to assess which Members are currently registered for VAT. The result is as follows: YES NO 6

7 NOVE - Netherlands HUP - Croatia UPB - Belgium PIPP - Poland DFA UK SCS Czech Republic UPI Spain (formal exemption) FFPI - France MEW - Germany Assopetroli - Italy SCSSR - Slovakia SNNK - Slovenia LDTA Latvia II pointed out this would represent a problem for Czech Republic Action: The Board agreed that the possibility of registering for VAT should be pursued and discussed at the Spring meeting. However, given the size of Germany s membership fee contribution, it would be important to obtain feedback from MEW on the feasibility of this proposal, before discussing with the full membership. YS to contact W. Dornhof (MEW). 6. UPEI Membership YS confirmed that LDTA (Latvia) has resigned from 1 January 2016 although they would like to maintain a relationship with UPEI. The main problem is the mixed membership of the LDTA, i.e. both independents and majors. The LDTA is linked to Fuels Europe as a NOIA (National Oil Industry Associations). YS raised the question as to whether this could not open up the possibility of LDTA becoming an Associate Member, as their relationship with Fuels Europe could be considered as a conflict of interest in the context of full membership of UPEI. II informed that the national associations of Bulgaria, Romania and Austria have the same structure as LDTA so they could possibly be approached to become Associate Members. Action TDM/II/YS to explore further the possibility/conditions of future Associate Membership of LDTA as well as national associations in other countries not yet represented by UPEI. 7. Energy Union Strategy: Development of an UPEI position & identification of priorities from Energy Union Roadmap concerning: The UPEI Position paper has been finalised and circulated. YS presented the proposed next steps: There is the need to establish the wording on how UPEI contributes to each of the relevant (four) dimensions of the Strategy (already discussed and agreed under agenda point 2) Need to identify priorities out of the Energy Union 15 action points There is an opportunity for UPEI to contribute to the development of the Governance framework (to address the problems encountered due to the lack of harmonisation in the way Member States transpose EU legislation, creating barriers to trade) 7

8 Consider what is UPEI s position on the role of oil in a low carbon economy? The 15 Action Points were assessed for high and low priorities. The key priorities identified were the need to develop UPEI positions on: Sustainable Transport (target date stakeholder meeting in Brussels) Heating and Cooling Strategy (which is under development by the European Commission) Two brief overviews of the upcoming strategies on sustainable transport and heating and cooling were circulated in advance of the meeting. It was agreed that this should be the focus of the Spring Meeting. With regards to the question of the role of oil in a low carbon economy, TDM proposed to create an ad hoc working group on this topic and encouraged the Board to propose experts from within their membership to be part of this exercise. Action: Board/UPEI Secretariat/TWG to work on preparing an initial draft position on sustainable transport for presentation to members at the Spring meeting. Action: YS to discuss with Rainer Winzenried on preparatory work necessary to draft UPEI input for the Heating and Cooling Strategy. Proposed to invite members at the Spring meeting to join a working group so that a position can be developed not later than early July. This could be subsequently discussed with Eurofuel with a view to presenting a join position in September. YS drew the Board s attention to the fact that the Netherlands will take on the Council Presidency as of 1 January 2016 and that this would present a good opportunity for UPEI. Contacts with the Dutch authorities should already be intensified (both in NL and BXL). EdV stressed that the Dutch Government is close to the oil industry but that they would probably more interested in issues concerning gas. Action EdV to investigate priorities of the upcoming Dutch Presidency to the EU and intensify contacts with the authorities and report back on opportunities to be pursued (also in BXL through the Perm Rep). 8. Introduction of B8 in France ER updated the Board on the situation of B8 in France. The product is available in France and is marketed without any specification at the pump. UFIP (Union Française des Industries Pétrolières) has filed a complaint to the French Government and the European Commission. In the meantime, some supermarkets are delivering B8. However not all depots are able to deliver the product due to pipeline restrictions (linked to the official standard of B7). The meeting was closed at 16h00. Alessandra De Zottis Brussels, 4 May 2015 * * * 8