By European Commission
Press release
Brussels, 22 January 2014
Environment: European Commission recommends minimum principles for shale gas
Today the European Commission adopted a Recommendation aiming to ensure that proper environmental and climate safeguards are in place for "fracking" - the high-volume hydraulic fracturing technique used notably in shale gas operations. The Recommendation should help all Member States wishing to use this practice address health and environmental risks and improve transparency for citizens. It also lays the ground for a level playing field for industry and establishes a clearer framework for investors.
The Recommendation is accompanied by a Communication that considers the opportunities and challenges of using "fracking", to extract hydrocarbons. Both documents are part of a wider initiative by the Commission to put in place an integrated climate and energy policy framework for the period up to 2030.
Environment Commissioner Janez Poto
