Thursday's discussion took as basis a green paper presented by the executive European Commission.

    The greenpaper calls for the creation of a new EU-level energy regulator and an integrated European electricity grid.

    It also asks for new legislation on oil and gas stocks to ensure Europe has an emergency gas stockpile, and a mechanism to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to supply emergencies.

    The document also wants the EU to speak with one voice on energy, implying that in the future one EU-level official would go to negotiations with external partners on behalf of all the 25 member states.

    Divisions are expected among the leaders as the greenpaper, basis for future legislation, would deprive part of the authority of national governments on energy policies.

    Barroso, however, was realistic about the possible achievements of the two-day summit. He indicated Friday's conclusions might include few specific measures.

    He said the conclusions might include a European energy policy based on sustainability, competitiveness and security of supply; a regular review scheme for such a policy; completion of an internalel ectricity and natural gas market; a long-term renewable energy roadmap; an energy efficiency action plan; construction of infrastructure for security of supply and diversification; dialogue with energy giants like Russia and Norway; and more efforts to increase energy efficiency in the transport sector.

    Virtually, none of the goals goes as deep as immediately threatening the authority of national governments.

    Schuessel admitted that project needs "time, patience and support from all sides."

    The energy issue became priority of the EU following the energy crisis at the beginning of the year between Russia and Ukraine, through which EU countries get much of its natural gas supply.

    A sense of urgency was also prompted by recent rifts among member states over blocked cross-border takeovers of energy companies. Enditem