Brussels, 13/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 14 September, the European Parliament will take a stance on the Commission's proposal for a regulation on rules regarding the integrity and transparency of the energy market. Presenting the report by the committee on industry, energy and research, Jorgo Chatzimarkakis (ALDE, Germany) pointed out that, initially, questions were raised about the possibility of subjecting the energy market to the same rules as financial markets. The Parliament, Council and Commission had concluded that, for a market with such very specific characteristics, the sectoral approach was needed. The rapporteur denounced forthwith the “deals” that are all too often concluded in the energy sector, with adverse consequences on consumers. Negotiation with the Hungarian Presidency were tough, he said, but the Parliament managed to put forward its demands with regard to: - the setting in place of a European register of market players based on national systems (the Commission may possibly suggest new instruments for fostering transparency); - harmonisation of sanctions to protect consumers against manipulation and abuse; - a strengthened role for the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), which should have sufficient human and financial resources; - a ban on insider dealing with a few exceptions (if it is a matter of ensuring the system's security, in agreement with the operating system operator); - the possibility for the Commission to adopt delegated acts for the technical updating of definitions regarding preferential information and market manipulation. In this field, with the Lisbon Treaty, “we are in virgin territory”, the rapporteur said, specifying that the EP gives up its claims in this field in favour of a more important role for ACER.
It is through strengthening of the internal market that the Union will be able to follow the road to recovery, said Polish Industry and Trade Minister Marcin Korolec speaking on behalf of the Presidency. He acknowledged that the current legislation does not allow one to effectively combat abuse, and underlined the advantages of a common framework not only for consumers but also for business. The final objective is to set in place, by 2014, a truly single market that is competitive, dynamic, and based on clear rules.
The internal energy market is now 15 years old, Günther Öettinger said, speaking on behalf of the European Commission. During this period, the “landscape has changed” and a sectoral approach accompanied by rules to ensure greater transparency is needed more than ever. ACER will ensure such rules are effectively and properly complied with. Öettinger believes it will also be necessary to set measures of application swiftly in place. (L.G./transl.jl)