Brussels, 13/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - The EU28 should focus implementing the third package of legislation to free up the development of infrastructure and market integration.
On 12 December, the EU28 energy ministers adopted a report from the Council of Ministers, the first of its kind, on progress in moving towards a single market for energy, which is supposed to be in place next year. The comprehensive report, adopted after the European Council in May, highlights progress in five priority areas - the single market, investment, diversification of sources, energy efficiency and competitiveness.
The report suggests further progress in implementing the third package of legislation to liberalise the market (2009 directives on the electricity and gas markets), full transposition of legislation and respect of technical measures, along with the timely adoption of network codes. Consumers should be given more rights and choices for managing energy costs.
The document calls for an expansion of energy infrastructure, harmonious introduction of the first projects of common EU interest, which should be aided by rationalisation and acceleration of the permit-granting process, and financial support from the Connecting Europe Facility.
Finally, the report highlights application and implementation of EU rules on market integration and energy efficiency, calling for careful coordination of the aid mechanisms for renewable energy. The report also suggests introducing fair conditions for companies operating in the EU.
The Council report will be used as a reference for the Commission's next report (due in the first half of 2014), which will examine progress and shortcomings in moving towards the 2014 policy target. (EH/transl.fl)