Brussels, 26/03/2006 (Agence Europe) - The prime minister of Spain, José Luis Zapatero, confirmed on 24 March after the European Council that his government had that same day sent off the extra information awaited by the Commission in the E.ON/Endesa affair. Following the announcement of the takeover bid by the German group on its Spanish rival, Endesa, Madrid had decided to strengthen the powers of the national energy regulator. The government, which is in favour of a partnership between Endesa and Gas Natural, had granted increased blocking authority for operations on a market that is considered essential, and the decree was carried by the Spanish parliament on 23 March. Fearing that Spain's intervention might not be in line with internal market rules, the Commission had requested an explanation. Mr Zapatero also pointed out that Germany's Chancellor, Angela Merkel, had invited him to go to Germany in April to discuss the matter.
In its letter to the Commission, the Spanish government mainly notes that the liberalisation process in the energy sector is considerably more active in Spain than in other EU Member States but that Spain can find itself under an obligation, like other countries, to foresee measures to ensure the financial security and stability of large energy companies. Measures taken by the Spanish government are compatible with the principles of freedom of establishment and free movement of capital, the letter adds (noting, among other things, that the Court of Justice had rejected an appeal presented by the European Commission against Belgian measures, of which the Spanish measures are an “almost literal transcription”).