EC threatens 'stronger action' unless energy markets open fully

Brussels (Platts)--15Nov2005

European Union member states face "stronger action" if they do not make
their liberalized energy markets work in practice, the European Commission
said Tuesday in its 2005 internal energy market progress report. 
     "The Commission will continue to put pressure on member states to
implement measures that are key to achieving a higher level of growth and
competitiveness in Europe," said European Union energy commissioner Andris
Piebalgs. "If this does not happen, stronger action will be needed."
     But the EC will not decide on whether more proposals are needed until
after next year's benchmarking report, due end-2006, it said. It is to do
detailed country-by-country reviews of the practical effectiveness of energy
market opening, legislative and regulatory measures, including any measures
taken specifically to tackle national issues. Any new proposals deemed
necessary would not be made until 2007.
     The EC did not draw definitive conclusions on what extra EU measures
might be needed in the 2005 report. The main immediate action needed is for
member states to fully, completely and effectively implement the second gas
and power market opening laws, it said. 
     Many member states missed the Jul 1, 2005 deadline to adopt and implement
these and the EC is suing six in the European Court of Justice for still not
complying. The EC is also waiting for the final results of its energy sector
competition inquiry, expected in 2006.

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