Paris / Brussels, 08/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - In a preparatory working document for the Barcelona Summit disclosed on Friday in Paris, France said it was in favour of "controlled and gradual" opening of the gas and electricity markets, while stressing the need to take "general interest" into account. France points out that "harmonious development of these markets would not only result in a legal opening for competition, but also means guarantees for effective market opening throughout the Union and account being taken of the notion of public service". Paris above all wants the Barcelona Summit to affirm "the need to take general interest into account", especially the "recognition of the principle of electricity, necessary for the normal life of all citizens, which calls for regulation by public authorities". France also wants "a common base of public service obligations" to be defined, such as access by the poorest to gas and electricity, protection of the environment and supply security. Also, it wants each Member State to have the possibility of "imposing specific obligations over and beyond the common base, in relation to the specific characteristics and needs of the country or of certain regions".
Although the French position is far from coinciding to that of its partners, which are more inclined towards rapid and total liberalisation, sources close to the Commission have confirmed to us that an agreement in Barcelona on market opening for professionals is not impossible (see yesterday's EUROPE, page 16). The Commission is willing not to insist in Barcelona on a precise date for market opening for individuals, as long as the prospect remains open. The European Parliament, co-decision-maker on this issue, will probably next week support the initial timetable proposed by the Commission, which provides for the opening of the market for individuals in 2005. This position is likely to be defended by several Member States, such as Denmark, and other Scandinavian countries which do not seem willing to give it up. In addition, the support given by Germany to France in its opposition to the "energy package" could disappear, as Berlin has reached a compromise solution with its partners on the role of independent regulator: access tariffs to the gas and electricity transmission networks would no longer have to be fixed, published and approved by the independent regulator before they are brought into force, but the latter should control, on an ex post basis, their conformity with a common methodology, the possibility of filing a complaint rapidly being guaranteed to operators.