- British Prime Minister Tony Blair criticized economic protectionism on Friday, and urged the European Union (EU) to take more action to liberalize energy markets.

Speaking after an EU summit in Brussels, the prime minister also insisted that the arguments in favor of "economic nationalism" be defeated.

During the summit, leaders from all 25 EU member states agreed to begin to work towards a common energy policy, improve security of supply, and open markets to competition.

A date of mid-2007 was fixed for full energy market liberalization, and 2020 was set as a deadline for achieving a 20 percent energy saving.

However, Blair said some of the 25 heads of government and state "would have gone further."

"The argument for liberalization has not been totally won but the direction of travel is right," he said.

Blair cited Downing Street as an example of the benefits of liberalized energy markets.

"The electricity in Number 10 Downing Street is supplied by a French company, the water by a German company, the gas is supplied by four companies, three of which are not British," he said.

"Liberalized energy markets and more open markets are good for business and for consumers right across Europe. This argument is being won by those who want to open up to liberalization," he added.

According to the prime minister, there was a "big debate on economic patriotism" at the EU summit, adding that it was "a healthy debate which is being won by those who favor more open markets."

"The main point is that the focus on energy policy is on the agenda," he said.

"We are going to use our collective strength to get the best terms for energy. On this and on economic reform, it has been a very worthwhile summit," Blair concluded.

Source: Xinhua