The European Union Offshore Oil and Gas Authorities Group (EUOAG) is a forum for the exchange of information and expertise between EU national authorities, third countries, industrial associations, the European Commission and other stakeholders, on all issues relating to major accident prevention and response in offshore oil and gas operations.
Purpose and objectives
EUOAG was established in 2012, by Commission Decision 2012/C 18/07, and is mandated to discuss, assist and give opinions to the Commission. In this capacity, EUOAG
- prepares guidance documents, standards and industry best practices
- ensures quick information exchanges between the Commission and national authorities
- promotes consensus between involved parties on regulatory best practices
- shares information on the application of national and EU legislation and policies
- assists the Commission in monitoring the implementation and application of relevant EU legislation
In addition, EUOAG promotes best practices and high safety standards for offshore oil and gas operations worldwide.
EUOAG members
The Commission Directorate-General for Energy chairs the group.
Formal EUOAG members are EU national authorities, responsible for the regulatory oversight of offshore oil and gas activities and related policy areas. Norway attends the meeting as an observer.
In addition, the following parties attend the plenary meetings of the EUOAG
- authorities from the EU’s neighbourhood: Egypt, Israel, Lebanon and Montenegro
- industrial associations and unions: European Community Shipowners' Association (ECSA), International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), International Organisation of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) and IndustriAll
Representatives from the offshore industry, the unions, third countries, academia, research organisations, NGOs, relevant union agencies and other stakeholders may participate in the work of EUOAG upon the chairman's invitation.
For additional information, you may contact the EUOAG secretariat: ENER-EUOAG
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (ENER-EUOAG[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
Major accident emergency cooperation
In case of an offshore major accident emergency, it is of utmost importance to ensure a fast and accurate information flow between EU countries and the Commission. The countries have therefore voluntarily provided the Commission with contact points.
Meetings, workshops and trainings
EUOAG conducts a range of activities on legal questions and the practical application of safety rules and legislation. This includes the reporting of offshore accidents according to the Implementing Regulation on determining a common format and common publication format for offshore oil and gas hazard indicators (EU) No 1112/2014
To discuss these topics, EUOAG conducts activities through ordinary meetings, plenary meetings, as well as workshops and training courses.
Related links
- Annual reports on safety of offshore oil and gas operations in the EU
- Report on the adequacy of national expert resources for complying with the regulatory functions pursuant to Article 27(4) of Directive 2013/30/EU (COM/2016/318) and the accompanying staff working document (SWD/2016/182)
- Report on liability, compensation and financial security for offshore oil and gas operators (COM/2015/422 final)
- Commission staff working document accompanying the report on liability, compensation and financial security for offshore oil and gas operations (SWD/2015/ 167 final)
- Directive on the harmonisation of laws on market availability of pressure equipment (2014/68/EU)
- Directive on the harmonisation of laws for equipment and systems in explosive atmospheres (2014/34/EU)
- Commission Decision on setting up the EUOAG (2012/C18/07)
- Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC)
- Pressure Equipment Directive (97/23/EC)
- Directive on requirements for improving safety and health protection of workers in drilling industries (92/91/EEC)