The EU Network of Energy Security Correspondents (NESCO) was launched on 10 May 2007 by Commissioners Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Andris Piebalgs as a new tool for enhancing EU’s external energy security.  

The establishment of the Network is based on the Presidency conclusions of the European Council of December 2006 that endorsed “the setting up of a network of energy security correspondents as an important tool for collecting and processing existing geopolitical and energy related information and to provide an early warning tool to support the Union's overall strategy with the aim of ensuring the security of energy supply”.

European energy security correspondents are the representatives of the Ministries of foreign affairs and energy from the EU Member States, the European Commission and the European Council. Their continued monitoring and exchange of information is facilitated through a dedicated web portal with controlled access guaranteeing secure communication. The Commission coordinates input from 130 Delegations, the DG External Relations (RELEX) Crisis Room as well as Commission’s advisory bodies to complement the input from members of the network.

The Network is an interface that enables the pooling of observations and expertise of energy security experts throughout the European Union. NESCO monitors the ongoing development related to the external security of energy supply to the EU and provides shared assessments of external factors affecting the EU security of supply. It is also an early warning capacity that enables the EU to accede to sufficient information and analysis to take decisions and prepare actions in the event of specific threats to European energy supply.

During the gas crisis in January 2009, NESCO provided a useful instrument for gathering and exchange of the relevant information on the situation in EU’s gas supply and crisis management. It contributed to a more effective response and putting in place of the relevant solidarity mechanisms in the EU as well as with respect to the third countries.