Energy, electricity and gas: liberalisation of markets (Directives 96/92/EC, 98/30/EC)

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Peter Michael MOMBAUR (EPP/ED, Germany) on the Commission's second report on the liberalisation of the energy markets. Parliament felt that delays in implementing internal market directives in some Member States are damaging the entire EU market and are unacceptable; this also applies to candidate countries which are already exporting electricity to Member States at suspiciously low prices, but are keeping their own markets closed. Parliament regretted that some countries only intend to carry out the minimum liberalisation possible and hoped that they would be more ambitious in future. The Commission is asked to adopt a detailed timetable for the achievement of accurately defined objectives with a view to gradually but completely liberalising the energy markets, and is also asked to take resolute action against those Member States which do not implement the directives correctly. The fully successful liberalisation of the market will require a harmonisation of the energy policy frameworks within the Member States. Competition law must be strictly applied in order to protect customers, and in particular, the placing of legal obstacles in the way of access for new market participants is to be avoided, but competition must not be achieved at the expense of security of supply. The Commission is asked to oblige all Member States to establish fully independent National Regulatory Authorities with the powers to enforce full competition and promote the interests of consumers in a liberalised energy market.�