Harmonisation of gas and oil technical standards and practices (E. Europe and Caucasus)

Project Description

The project aims at supporting harmonisation of technical standards and practices of the gas and oil sector of the Partner Countries with those used in the EU countries, in order to support creation of integrated functioning energy market and gradual long-term convergence of the energy markets of the Partner Countries on the basis of the EU internal energy market principles. Technical assistance provided in the project will include technical, legal and institutional work, as well as various activities of promotion of harmonisation and raising of awareness. The project will include the following main activities:

• establishment of project offices
• identification of contacts in Partner Countries,establishment of co-operation with all relevant stakeholders
• identification of relevant international standards establishment of working procedures technical work on standards (analysis, training, translation, preparation for adoption)
• analysis of legislative and institutional framework in Partner Countries, identification of necessary reforms and modifications
• development of harmonisation strategies and action plans in Partner Countries
• organisation of inter-regional meetings, national meetings, inter-regional training seminar, study tour

Project Objective

The project aims to support the countries` adoption of international standards, rules and practices for design, construction, manufacturing, testing, certification, accreditation, operation and maintenance applied for all main components of gas and oil production / transmission / storage.The specific objectives are:To achieve a common understanding on the rationale and need to shift to international standards in both oil and gas sectors To develop a strategy for the harmonisation of technical standards and practices in the gas and oil sectors To identify a medium-term action plan for achieving harmonised technical standards and practices To propose the set of legal measures to be initiated by the national authorities for the adoption of harmonised technical standards To create awareness of EU standards, rules, certification and accreditation in the gas and oil sectors.

Expected Results

• establishment and presentation of the Project
• creation of an inter-regional forum (organisation of inter-regional meetings) for harmonisation of technical standards and practices in the gas and oil sectors supporting the process of creating a common understanding on the rationale and need to jointly shift to international standards
• coordination of national efforts to adapt and improve technical standards and practices
• support the process of developing a strategy aiming at harmonising technical standards and practices
• support to preparation of medium-term national action plans
• supporting the process of developing legal measures for the adoption of harmonized technical standards
• supporting the process of increasing awareness of EU standards, rules, certification and accreditation