[pic] | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES |

Brussels, 22.6.2009

COM(2009) 316 final

2007/0196/COD

OPINION OF THE COMMISSION

pursuant to Article 251(2), third subparagraph, point (c) of the EC Treaty, on the European Parliament's amendments to the Council's Common Position regarding the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 2003/55/EC

AMENDING THE PROPOSAL OF THE COMMISSION pursuant to Article 250 (2) of the EC Treaty

OPINION OF THE COMMISSION

pursuant to Article 251(2), third subparagraph, point (c) of the EC Treaty, on the European Parliament's amendments to the Council's Common Position regarding the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 2003/55/EC

1. Background

Procedure

Proposal transmitted to the European Parliament and the Council (document COM(2007) 529 - 2007/0196/COD) on: | 19.09.2007 |

European Economic and Social Committee opinion delivered on: | 22.04.08 |

Committee of the Regions opinion delivered on: | 10.04.08 |

European Parliament opinion (first reading) delivered on: | 09.07.2008 |

Common position adopted by unanimity on: | 09.01.2009 |

European Parliament position (second reading) | 22.04.2009 |

2. OBJECTIVE OF THE COMMISSION PROPOSAL

This proposal is part of the third legislative package for an internal EU gas and electricity market ("Third Package"), which includes two Directives and three Regulations.

The main objective of the package is to put in place the regulatory framework needed to make market opening fully effective and create a single EU gas and electricity market in the interest of the citizens and of the industry of the European Union. This will help to keep prices as low as possible and increase standards of service and security of supply.

This is done through the following main measures:

- more effective regulatory oversight by independent national regulators;

- establishment of an Agency to ensure effective cooperation between national regulators and take decisions on all relevant cross-border issues;

- compulsory cooperation between network operators to harmonise all rules relating to the transport of energy across Europe and to coordinate investment planning;

- effective unbundling of the generation and transmission of energy so as to eliminate any conflict of interests, promote network investment and prevent any discriminatory behaviour;

- increased transparency and better functioning of the retail market;

- increased solidarity and regional cooperation between Member States to ensure greater security of supply.

3. COMMISSION COMMENTS

3.1 General

At its Plenary Session of 22 April 2009, the European Parliament adopted a compromise package which had been agreed with the Council in view of reaching a second reading agreement.

These amendments concern essentially:

- the limited strengthening of some rules ensuring effective unbundling of transmission system operator,

- reinforced independence and powers of national regulators, and

- provisions creating stronger obligations for Member States as regards consumer protection, energy poverty and the implementation of smart metering.

The Commission accepts the compromise package as it is in line with the overall purpose and the general characteristics of the proposal.

3.2 Amended Proposal

Pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty, the Commission amends its Proposal as set out above.