EU environment commissioner Janez Potocnik has called for a uniform risk management framework for shale gas exploration across member states that would reap the long-term economic and energy benefits while assuring its citizens that fracking activity is carried out with proper climate and environmental safeguards.

Addressing a recent energy summit, Potocnik said it is "extremely important" that the public accept unconventional fossil fuel exploration. He cited recent European Commission surveys, in which three-quarters of respondents said they would be worried if a shale gas project were to be located in their neighborhood. This, he said, was because of the lack of adequate legislation and proper risk management.

The commissioner said EU officials are eyeing proposals along the lines of those suggested in the Golden Rules of the International Energy Agency. Along with establishing legal clarity, the objective would be to establish good practices such as disclosure of chemicals, baseline monitoring of water, hydrogeological modeling, well integrity and capture of methane, along with monitoring and cleanup.

Potocnik noted that the existing EU framework, while "appearing to apply to shale gas," does not necessarily address the specific impacts and risks, as it was designed before the technology became widely available.

The European approach to regulating shale gas must be clear and simple to understand, implement and achieve, he said. As member states have taken differing approaches to regulation, it has created a "fragmented and complex operating framework" that is not helpful to those seeking to reap the benefits. Member states and the fracking industry alike are asking the Commission for clarification, he added.

While creating a level playing field within, the commissioner stressed that a "certain degree of flexibility" also is needed. "We are well aware that local features matter a lot, as many of the risks depend on the geological and geographical features of a project." One of the dangers of not having a uniform framework, Potocnik said that national interpretations could be legally challenged and the internal energy market jeopardized.

"Whether shale gas becomes a success story in Europe," the environment commissioner said, "we need to be consistent with our long-term strategy of a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. Just as we must do everything necessary to sustain and improve our global European competitiveness, we must also do everything necessary to live within the limits of our planet."