This week's European Council meeting should include measures that ensure no Member State is isolated and cut off from the European grid, Labour MEP Miriam Dalli said today.

Dr Dalli said projects of common interest designed to eliminate this isolation should be a priority in the European Union.

Last October, the European Commission included a gas pipeline from Sicily to Malta as one of the 250 projects of common interest.

The European Commission believes that such projects are crucial for an integrated energy market and can even lead to less pollution, she said.

Gas hub in the Mediterranean

A final decision is expected on the 2030 energy and climate framework this week during the European Council meeting, including measures aimed towards improving the security of energy supplies to Europe.

Dr Dalli spoke of the role the Mediterranean has to play in all of this, saying supply sources, routes and suppliers all have to be diversified. She expressed her belief that the region can function as a gas hub.