Directive 2003/55/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2003 concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 98/30/EC
Date: 2003-06-26
Institutions: Council of the European Union, European Parliament
Subjects: approximation of laws, energy distribution, energy production, energy supply, energy transport, natural gas, single market

15.7.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 176/57

DIRECTIVE 2003/55/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 26 June 2003

concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 98/30/EC

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF
THE EUROPEAN UNION,

(3)

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community, and in particular Article 47(2), Article 55 and
Article 95 thereof,

Having regard to the proposals from the Commission (1),

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and
Social Committee (2),

Having consulted the Committee of the Regions,

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article
251 of the Treaty (3),

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

Directive 98/30/EC of the European Parliament and of
the Council of 22 June 1998 concerning common rules
in natural gas (4) has made
for the internal market
significant contributions towards the creation of an
internal market for gas.

functioning of

Experience in implementing this Directive shows the
benefits that may result from the internal market in gas,
in terms of efficiency gains, price reductions, higher
service and increased competitiveness.
standards of
However, significant shortcomings and possibilities for
improving the
remain,
notably concrete provisions are needed to ensure a level
risks of market
playing field and to reduce
dominance
ensuring
predatory
and
non-discriminatory transmission and distribution tariffs,
through access to the network on the basis of tariffs
published prior to their entry into force, and ensuring
that the rights of small and vulnerable customers are
protected.

the
behaviour,

the market

(1) OJ C 240 E, 28.8.2001, p. 60 and OJ C 227 E, 24.9.2002, p. 393.
(2) OJ C 36, 8.2.2002, p. 10.
(3) Opinion of the European Parliament of 13 March 2002 (OJ C 47 E,
27.2.2003, p. 367), Council Common Position of 3 February 2003
(OJ C 50 E, 4.3.2003, p. 36) and Decision of
the European
Parliament of 4 June 2003 (not yet published in the Official
Journal).

(4) OJ L 204, 21.7.1998, p. 1.

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the
rapid work to be
called for
European Council
undertaken to complete the internal market
in both
electricity and gas sectors and to speed up liberalisation
in these sectors with a view to achieving a fully
operational
internal market. The European Parliament,
in its Resolution of 6 July 2000 on the Commission's
second report on the state of
liberalisation of energy
markets, requested the Commission to adopt a detailed
timetable for
the achievement of accurately defined
objectives with a view to gradually but completely
liberalising the energy market.

The freedoms which the Treaty guarantees European
citizens — free movement of goods, freedom to provide
services and freedom of establishment — are only
possible in a fully open market, which enables all
consumers
suppliers and all
suppliers freely to deliver to their customers.

freely to choose their

In view of the anticipated increase in dependency as
regards natural gas consumption, consideration should
to encourage
be given to initiatives and measures
reciprocal arrangements
to third-country
networks and market integration.

for access

The main obstacles in arriving at a fully operational and
competitive internal market relate to, amongst other
things, issues of access to the network, access to storage,
tarification issues, interoperability between systems and
different degrees of market opening between Member
States.

For competition to function, network access must be
non-discriminatory, transparent and fairly priced.

the

internal

to complete

gas market,
In order
non-discriminatory access
the
transmission and distribution system operators is of
paramount importance. A transmission or distribution
system operator may
consist of one or more
undertakings.

to the network of

In case of a gas undertaking performing transmission,
distribution,
(LNG)
activities and which is separate in its legal form from
those undertakings performing production and/or

liquefied natural gas

storage or

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Official Journal of the European Union

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supply activities, the designated system operators may
be the same undertaking owning the infrastructure.

(10)

to ensure efficient and non-discriminatory
In order
network access it is appropriate that the transmission
and distribution systems are operated through legally
separate entities where vertically integrated undertakings
exist. The Commission should assess measures of
equivalent effect, developed by Member States to achieve
the aim of this requirement, and, where appropriate,
submit proposals to amend this Directive.

is

the

also appropriate

It
transmission and
that
distribution system operators have effective decision
to assets necessary to
making rights with respect
maintain and operate and develop networks when the
assets in question are owned and operated by vertically
integrated undertakings.

and nothing prevents

It is important however to distinguish between such
legal
separation and ownership unbundling. Legal
separation implies neither a change of ownership of
assets
identical
employment conditions applying throughout the whole
of
the vertically integrated undertakings. However, a
non-discriminatory decision-making process should be
ensured through organisational measures regarding the
independence of the decision-makers responsible.

similar or

To avoid imposing a disproportionate financial and
administrative burden on small distribution companies,
Member States should be able, where necessary,
to
exempt such companies
from the legal distribution
unbundling requirements.

In order to facilitate the conclusion of contracts by a gas
undertaking established in a Member State for
the
supply of gas to eligible customers in another Member
State, Member States and, where appropriate, national
should work towards more
regulatory
same degree of
homogenous
eligibility for the whole of the internal market.

authorities

conditions

and the

The existence of effective regulation, carried out by one
or more national regulatory authorities, is an important
factor in guaranteeing non-discriminatory access to the
network. Member
functions,
States
the
administrative
and
competences
regulatory authorities. It is important that the regulatory
authorities
same
minimum set of competences. Those authorities should
have the competence to fix or approve the tariffs, or at
least, the methodologies underlying the calculation of

in all Member States

the
powers

specify

share

the

of

(11)

(12)

(13)

(14)

(15)

transmission and distribution tariffs and tariffs for access
to liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. In order to avoid
uncertainty and costly and time consuming disputes,
these tariffs should be published prior to their entry
into force.

encouraging

The Commission has indicated its intention to set up a
European Regulators Group for Electricity and Gas
which would constitute a suitable advisory mechanism
for
cooperation and coordination of
national regulatory authorities, in order to promote the
development of the internal market for electricity and
gas, and to contribute to the consistent application, in
in this
all Member States, of
Directive and Directive 2003/54/EC of
the European
Parliament and of
the Council of 26 June 2003
concerning common rules for the internal market in
electricity (1) and in Regulation (EC) No 1228/2003 of
the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June
2003 on conditions for access to the network for
cross-border exchanges in electricity (2).

the provisions set out

In order to ensure effective market access for all market
players including new entrants, non discriminatory and
cost-reflective balancing mechanisms are necessary. As
soon as the gas market is sufficiently liquid, this should
be achieved through the setting up of
transparent
market-based mechanisms for the supply and purchase
of
framework of balancing
requirements. In the absence of such a liquid market,
national regulatory authorities should play an active role
to ensure that balancing tariffs are non-discriminatory
and cost-reflective. At
the same time, appropriate
incentives should be provided to balance in-put and
off-take of gas and not to endanger the system.

gas needed

in the

(16) National regulatory authorities should be able to fix or
approve tariffs, or the methodologies underlying the
calculation of the tariffs, on the basis of a proposal by
the transmission system operator or distribution system
operator(s) or LNG system operator, or on the basis of a
proposal agreed between these operator(s) and the users
of the network.
In carrying out these tasks, national
regulatory authorities should ensure that transmission
and distribution tariffs are non-discriminatory and
the
cost-reflective,
from
long-term, marginal,
demand-side management measures.

avoided network costs

account of

should

take

and

(17)

The benefits resulting from the internal market should
be available to all Community industry and commerce,
including small and medium-sized enterprises, and to all
Community citizens as quickly as possible, for reasons
to create
of
employment as a result of the efficiency gains that will
be enjoyed by enterprises.

fairness, competitiveness, and indirectly,

(1) See p. 37 of this Official Journal.
(2) See p. 1 of this Official Journal.

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(18) Gas customers should be able to choose their supplier
freely. Nonetheless a phased approach should be taken
to completing the internal market for gas, coupled with
a specific deadline,
to enable industry to adjust and
ensure that adequate measures and systems are in place
to protect the interests of customers and ensure they
have a real and effective right to choose their supplier.

(19)

Progressive opening of markets towards full competition
should as soon as possible remove differences between
Member States. Transparency and certainty in the
implementation of this Directive should be ensured.

(20) Directive 98/30/EC contributes to access to storage as
part of the gas system. In the light of the experience
gained in implementing the internal market, additional
measures should be taken to clarify the provisions for
access to storage and ancillary services.

(25)

(26)

Storage facilities are essential means, amongst other
things of implementing public service obligations such
as security of supply. This should not lead to distortion
of competition or discrimination in the access
to
storage.

Further measures should be taken in order to ensure
transparent and non discriminatory tariffs for access to
transportation. Those tariffs should be applicable to all
users on a non discriminatory basis. Where a storage
facility,
in a
linepack or ancillary service operates
sufficiently competitive market, access could be allowed
on the basis of
transparent and non-discriminatory
market-based mechanisms.

(27)

(21)

(22)

(23)

States

in individual Member

In the interest of security of supply, the supply/demand
should be
balance
monitored, and monitoring should be followed by a
report on the situation at Community level,
taking
account of interconnection capacity between areas. Such
monitoring should be carried out sufficiently early to
enable appropriate measures to be taken if security of
supply
and
maintenance of
the necessary network infrastructure,
including interconnection capacity, should contribute to
ensuring a stable gas supply.

compromised.

construction

The

is

(24) Member States should ensure that, taking into account
the necessary quality requirements, biogas and gas from
biomass
granted
non-discriminatory access to the gas system, provided
such access is permanently compatible with the relevant
technical rules and safety standards. These rules and
standards should ensure, that these gases can technically

other

types

gas

are

or

of

and safely be injected into, and transported through the
natural gas system and should also address the chemical
characteristics of these gases.

Long-term contracts will continue to be an important
part of the gas supply of Member States and should be
maintained as an option for gas supply undertakings in
so far as they do not undermine the objectives of this
Directive and are compatible with the Treaty, including
competition rules. It is therefore necessary to take them
into
and
transportation capacity of gas undertakings.

planning

account

supply

the

of

in

In order to ensure the maintenance of high standards of
public service in the Community, all measures taken by
Member States to achieve the objectives of this Directive
should be regularly notified to the Commission. The
Commission should regularly publish a report analysing
measures
to achieve public
service objectives and comparing their effectiveness,
with a view to making recommendations as regards
measures to be taken at national level to achieve high
public service standards.

taken at national

level

Member States
should ensure that when they are
connected to the gas system customers are informed
about their rights to be supplied with natural gas of a
specified quality at reasonable prices. Measures taken by
final customers may differ
Member States to protect
according to households and small and medium sized
enterprises.

this Directive, and it

the public service requirements is a
The respect of
fundamental requirement of
is
important that common minimum standards, respected
by all Member States, are specified in this Directive,
which take into account
the objectives of consumer
protection, security of supply, environmental protection
levels of competition in all Member
and equivalent
States.
service
important
is
requirements can be interpreted on a national basis,
taking into account national circumstances and subject
to the observance of Community law.

the public

that

It

(28) Measures implemented by Member States to achieve the
objectives of social and economic cohesion may include,
economic
in particular,
incentives,
existing
national and Community tools. These tools may include
liability mechanisms
necessary
investment.

the provision of adequate

using, where

appropriate,

guarantee

the

all

to

(29)

To the extent
to which measures taken by Member
States to fulfil public service obligations constitute State
aid under Article 87(1) of
there is an
obligation according to Article 88(3) of the Treaty to
notify them to the Commission

the Treaty,

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(30)

(31)

internal gas market,

Since the objective of the proposed action, namely the
creation of a fully operational
in
which fair competition prevails, cannot be sufficiently
achieved by the Member States and can therefore, by
reason of the scale and effects of the action, be better
the Community may
achieved at Community level,
adopt measures in accordance with the principle of
subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5
of
In accordance with the principle of
proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Directive
is necessary in order to
does not go beyond what
achieve that objective.

the Treaty.

to

be

taken

ensure

regimes

homogeneous

In the light of the experience gained with the operation
of Council Directive 91/296/EEC of 31 May 1991 on
the transit of natural gas through grids (1), measures
should
and
non-discriminatory access
transmission,
including cross-border flows of gas between Member
States. To ensure homogeneity in the treatment of access
to the gas networks, also in the case of transit, that
Directive should be repealed, without prejudice to the
continuity of
said
Directive. The repeal of Directive 91/296/EEC should
not prevent long-term contracts being concluded in the
future.

concluded under

contracts

the

for

(32) Given the scope of the amendments that are being made
for reasons of
it
in

is desirable,
that

to Directive 98/30/EC,
clarity and rationalisation,
question should be recast.

the provisions

(33)

(34)

rights, and
This Directive respects
observes the principles, recognised in particular by the
Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

the fundamental

The measures necessary for the implementation of this
Directive should be adopted in accordance with Council
Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down
the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers
conferred on the Commission (2),

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

CHAPTER I

SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS

Article 1

Scope

This Directive

1.
the
transmission, distribution, supply and storage of natural gas. It
relating to the organisation and
lays down the

common rules

establishes

rules

for

(1) OJ L 147, 12.6.1991, p. 37. Directive as

last amended by

Commission Directive 95/49/EC (OJ L 233, 30.9.1995, p. 86).

(2) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

functioning of the natural gas sector, access to the market, the
granting of
criteria
authorisations
supply and
storage of natural gas and the operation of systems.

to the
transmission, distribution,

and procedures
for

applicable

2.
The rules established by this Directive for natural gas,
including liquefied natural gas (LNG), shall also apply to biogas
and gas from biomass or other types of gas in so far as such
gases
and
transported through, the natural gas system.

can technically and safely be

injected into,

Article 2

Definitions

For the purposes of this Directive:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

least one of

legal
‘natural gas undertaking' means any natural or
person carrying out at
following
functions: production, transmission, distribution, supply,
purchase or storage of natural gas, including LNG, which
is
and/or
maintenance tasks related to those functions, but shall not
include final customers;

commercial,

responsible

technical

the

the

for

‘upstream pipeline network' means
any pipeline or
network of pipelines operated and/or constructed as part
of an oil or gas production project, or used to convey
to a
natural gas
processing plant or
landing
terminal;

from one or more such projects

final coastal

terminal or

‘transmission' means the transport of natural gas through
a high pressure pipeline network other than an upstream
pipeline network with a view to its delivery to customers,
but not including supply;

‘transmission system operator' means a natural or legal
person who carries out the function of transmission and is
responsible for operating, ensuring the maintenance of,
and, if necessary, developing the transmission system in a
given area and, where applicable, its interconnections with
other systems, and for ensuring the long-term ability of
the
the
transportation of gas;

system to meet

reasonable

demands

for

‘distribution' means the transport of natural gas through
local or regional pipeline networks with a view to its
delivery to customers, but not including supply;

‘distribution system operator' means a natural or legal
person who carries out the function of distribution and is
responsible for operating, ensuring the maintenance of,
and, if necessary, developing the distribution system in a
given area and, where applicable, its interconnections with
other systems, and for ensuring the long-term ability of
the
the
distribution of gas;

system to meet

reasonable

demands

for

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‘supply' means the sale,
including LNG, to customers;

including resale, of natural gas,

purpose of connecting the national transmission systems
of these Member States;

‘supply undertaking' means any natural or legal person
who carries out the function of supply;

18.

‘direct line' means a natural gas pipeline complementary
to the interconnected system;

7.

8.

9.

‘storage facility' means a facility used for the stocking of
natural gas and owned and/or operated by a natural gas
undertaking, including the part of LNG facilities used for
storage but excluding the portion used for production
operations, and excluding facilities reserved exclusively for
transmission system operators
their
functions;

in carrying out

10.

‘storage system operator' means a natural or legal person
who carries out the function of storage and is responsible
for operating a storage facility;

11.

‘LNG facility' means a terminal which is used for the
liquefaction of natural gas or the importation, offloading,
include ancillary
and re-gaseification of LNG, and shall
services
the
temporary
re-gaseification process and subsequent delivery to the
transmission system, but shall not include any part of
LNG terminals used for storage;

storage necessary

and

for

12.

‘LNG system operator' means a natural or legal person
who carries out the function of liquefaction of natural gas,
or the importation, offloading, and re-gaseification of LNG
and is responsible for operating a LNG facility;

13.

14.

‘system' means any transmission networks, distribution
networks, LNG facilities and/or storage facilities owned
and/or operated by a natural gas undertaking,
including
linepack and its facilities supplying ancillary services and
related undertakings necessary for providing
those of
access to transmission, distribution and LNG;

‘ancillary services' means all services necessary for access
to and the operation of transmission and/or distribution
networks and/or LNG facilities and/or storage facilities
including load balancing and blending, but excluding
facilities
transmission system
operators carrying out their functions;

reserved exclusively for

15.

‘linepack' means the storage of gas by compression in gas
transmission and distribution systems, but
excluding
transmission system operators
facilities
carrying out their functions;

reserved for

16.

‘interconnected system' means a number of systems which
are linked with each other;

17.

‘interconnector' means a transmission line which crosses
or spans a border between Member States for the sole

19.

‘integrated natural gas undertaking' means a vertically or
horizontally integrated undertaking;

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

‘vertically integrated undertaking' means a natural gas
undertaking or a group of undertakings whose mutual
relationships are defined in Article 3(3) of Council
Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 of 21 December 1989 on
the control of concentrations between undertakings (1) and
where the undertaking/group concerned is performing at
least one of the functions of transmission, distribution,
LNG or storage, and at
the functions of
production or supply of natural gas;

least one of

integrated

‘horizontally
an
undertaking performing at least one of the functions of
production, transmission, distribution, supply or storage of
natural gas, and a non-gas activity;

undertaking' means

‘related undertakings' means affiliated undertakings, within
the meaning of Article 41 of
the Seventh Council
Directive 83/349/EEC of 13 June 1983 based on the
Article 44(2)(g) (*)
on consolidated
accounts (2), and/or associated undertakings, within the
meaning of Article 33(1)
thereof, and/or undertakings
which belong to the same shareholders;

the Treaty

of

‘system users' means
supplying to, or being supplied by, the system;

any natural or

legal persons

‘customers' means wholesale and final
customers of
natural gas and natural gas undertakings which purchase
natural gas;

‘household
natural gas for their own household consumption;

customers' means

customers

purchasing

26.

‘non-household customers' means customers purchasing
natural gas which is not for their own household use;

27.

‘final customers' means customers purchasing natural gas
for their own use;

28.

‘eligible customers' means customers who are free to
purchase gas from the supplier of their choice, within the
meaning of Article 23 of this Directive;

(*) The title of Directive 83/349/EEC has been adjusted to take
account of
the Treaty
establishing the European Community in accordance with Article
12 of the Treaty of Amsterdam; the original reference was to
Article 54(3)(g).

the renumbering of

the Articles of

(1) OJ L 395, 30.12.1989, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by

Regulation (EC) No 1310/97 (OJ L 180, 9.7.1997, p. 1).

(2) OJ L 193, 18.7.1983, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive
the Council

the European Parliament and of

2001/65/EC of
(OJ L 283, 27.10.2001, p. 28).

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29.

‘wholesale customers' means any natural or legal persons
other than transmission system operators and distribution
system operators who purchase natural gas
the
purpose of resale inside or outside the system where they
are established;

for

30.

‘long-term planning' means the planning of supply and
transportation capacity of natural gas undertakings on a
long-term basis with a view to meeting the demand for
natural gas of the system, diversification of sources and
securing supplies to customers;

31.

‘emergent market' means a Member State in which the
first commercial supply of its first long-term natural gas
supply contract was made not more than 10 years earlier;

32.

‘security' means both security of supply of natural gas and
technical safety;

33.

‘new infrastructure' means an infrastructure not completed
by the entry into force of this Directive.

CHAPTER II

GENERAL RULES FOR THE ORGANISATION OF THE SECTOR

Article 3

Public service obligations and customer protection

shall ensure, on the basis of

their
1. Member States
institutional organisation and with due regard to the principle
of subsidiarity, that, without prejudice to paragraph 2, natural
are operated in accordance with the
gas undertakings
principles of
this Directive with a view to achieving a
competitive, secure and environmentally sustainable market in
natural
and shall not discriminate between these
undertakings as regards either rights or obligations.

gas,

Having full regard to the relevant provisions of

the
2.
in particular Article 86 thereof, Member States may
Treaty,
impose on undertakings operating in the gas sector,
in the
general economic interest, public service obligations which
may relate to security, including security of supply, regularity,
quality and price of supplies, and environmental protection,
including energy efficiency and climate protection. Such
obligations
non
discriminatory, verifiable and shall guarantee equality of access
for EU gas companies to national consumers. In relation to
security of supply, energy efficiency/demand-side management
and for the fulfilment of environmental goals, as referred to in
this
the
implementation of long term planning, taking into account the
possibility of third parties seeking access to the system.

paragraph, Member

States may

transparent,

introduce

defined,

clearly

shall

be

in particular, ensure that

they may take appropriate measures

3. Member States shall take appropriate measures to protect
final customers and to ensure high levels of consumer
protection, and shall,
there are
adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable customers, including
appropriate measures to help them avoid disconnection. In this
to protect
context,
customers in remote areas who are connected to the gas
system. Member States may appoint a supplier of last resort
for customers connected to the gas network. They shall ensure
high levels of consumer protection, particularly with respect to
and
general
transparency
settlement
conditions,
dispute
information and
mechanisms. Member States shall ensure that
the eligible
customer is effectively able to switch to a new supplier. As
least household customers these measures shall
regards at
include those set out in Annex A.

contractual

regarding

general

terms

4. Member States shall implement appropriate measures to
social and economic cohesion,
achieve the objectives of
environmental protection, which may include means
to
combat climate change, and security of supply. Such measures
may include, in particular, the provision of adequate economic
incentives, using, where appropriate, all existing national and
Community tools, for the maintenance and construction of
necessary network infrastructure,
including interconnection
capacity.

as

to distribution insofar

5. Member States may decide not to apply the provisions of
Article 4 with respect
their
application would obstruct, in law or in fact, the performance
of the obligations imposed on natural gas undertakings in the
general economic interest and insofar as the development of
trade would not be affected to such an extent as would be
contrary to the interests of the Community. The interests of
the Community include, inter alia, competition with regard to
eligible customers in accordance with this Directive and Article
86 of the Treaty.

shall, upon implementation of

this
6. Member States
Directive, inform the Commission of all measures adopted to
fulfil public service obligations,
including consumer and
environmental protection, and their possible effect on national
and international competition, whether or not such measures
require a derogation from the provisions of
this Directive.
They shall notify the Commission subsequently every two years
of any changes to such measures, whether or not they require
a derogation from this Directive.

Article 4

Authorisation procedure

In circumstances where an authorisation (e.g.

licence,
1.
is required for
permission, concession, consent or approval)
the construction or operation of natural gas facilities,
the
Member States or any competent authority they designate shall
grant authorisations to build and/or operate such facilities,

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in
pipelines and associated equipment on their
accordance with paragraphs 2 to 4. Member States or any
competent
grant
authorisations on the same basis for the supply of natural gas
and for wholesale customers.

designate may

authority

territory,

they

also

2. Where Member States have a system of authorisation,
they shall lay down objective and non discriminatory criteria
which shall be met by an undertaking applying for an
authorisation to build and/or operate natural gas facilities or
applying for an authorisation to supply natural gas. The non
discriminatory criteria and procedures for
the granting of
authorisations shall be made public.

the reasons for any
3. Member States shall ensure that
refusal
to grant an authorisation are objective and non
discriminatory and are given to the applicant. Reasons for such
refusals shall be forwarded to the Commission for information.
Member States
enabling the
shall establish a procedure
applicant to appeal against such refusals.

For

the development of newly supplied areas and
4.
efficient operation generally, and without prejudice to Article
24, Member States may decline to grant a further authorisation
to build and operate distribution pipeline systems in any
particular area once such pipeline systems have been or are
proposed to be built in that area and if existing or proposed
capacity is not saturated.

other transmission or distribution systems, and direct lines, are
developed and made public. These technical rules shall ensure
the interoperability of systems and shall be objective and
non-discriminatory. They shall be notified to the Commission
in accordance with Article 8 of Directive 98/34/EC of the
the Council of 22 June 1998
European Parliament and of
laying down a procedure for the provision of information in
the field of technical standards and regulations and of rules on
Information Society Services (1).

CHAPTER III

TRANSMISSION, STORAGE AND LNG

Article 7

Designation of system operators

Member States shall designate or shall require natural gas
undertakings which own transmission, storage or LNG facilities
to designate, for a period of time to be determined by Member
States having regard to considerations of efficiency and
economic balance, one or more system operators. Member
take the measures necessary to ensure that
States
shall
transmission,
in
storage and LNG system operators act
accordance with Articles 8 to 10.

Article 5

Article 8

Tasks of system operators

Monitoring of security of supply

Each transmission, storage and/or LNG system operator

1.
shall:

Member States shall ensure the monitoring of security of
supply issues. Where Member States consider it appropriate,
they may delegate this task to the regulatory authorities
in
referred to in Article 25(1). This monitoring shall,
particular, cover the supply/demand balance on the national
market,
the level of expected future demand and available
supplies, envisaged additional capacity being planned or under
construction, and the quality and level of maintenance of the
networks, as well as measures to cover peak demand and to
deal with shortfalls of one or more suppliers. The competent
authorities shall publish, by 31 July each year at the latest a
report outlining the findings resulting from the monitoring of
these issues, as well as any measures taken or envisaged to
address them and shall forward this report to the Commission
forthwith.

Article 6

Technical rules

Member States shall ensure that technical safety criteria are
technical rules establishing the minimum
defined and that
the
technical
connection to the system of LNG facilities, storage facilities,

design and operational

requirements

for

(a) operate, maintain and develop under economic conditions
secure, reliable and efficient transmission, storage and/or
LNG facilities, with due regard to the environment;

(b)

refrain from discriminating between system users or
classes of system users, particularly in favour of its related
undertakings;

any

(c) provide any other transmission system operator, any other
storage system operator, any other LNG system operator
and/or
sufficient
information to ensure that the transport and storage of
natural gas may take place in a manner compatible with
the secure and efficient operation of the interconnected
system;

distribution system operator,

(d) provide system users with the information they need for

efficient access to the system.

for
Rules adopted by transmission system operators
2.
balancing the gas transmission system shall be objective,
including rules for the
transparent and non-discriminatory,

(1) OJ L 204, 21.7.1998, p. 37. Directive as amended by Directive

98/48/EC (OJ L 217, 5.8.1998, p. 18).

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their networks

system users of

for energy
charging of
imbalance. Terms and conditions, including rules and tariffs,
for the provision of such services by transmission system
operators shall be established pursuant
to a methodology
compatible with Article 25(2)
in a non-discriminatory and
cost-reflective way and shall be published.

permit the parent company to give instructions regarding
day-to-day operations, nor with respect
to individual
decisions concerning the construction or upgrading of
transmission lines, that do not exceed the terms of the
approved financial plan, or any equivalent instrument;

States may

3. Member
operators to comply with minimum requirements for
maintenance and development of
including interconnection capacity.

system
the
the transmission system,

transmission

require

(d)

Transmission system operators shall procure the energy
4.
they use for the carrying out of their functions according to
transparent, non-discriminatory and market based procedures.

shall

transmission system operator

the
establish a
compliance programme, which sets out measures taken to
ensure that discriminatory conduct is excluded, and ensure
is adequately monitored. The
that observance of
the specific obligations of
programme shall
employees
report,
setting out the measures taken, shall be submitted by the
person or body responsible for monitoring the compliance
programme to the regulatory authority referred to in
Article 25(1) and shall be published.

this objective. An annual

it
set out

to meet

Article 9

Unbundling of transmission system operators

Article 10

Confidentiality for transmission system operators

in terms of

1. Where the transmission system operator is part of a
it shall be independent at
vertically integrated undertaking,
least
form, organisation and decision
making from other activities not relating to transmission.
These rules shall not create an obligation to separate the
ownership of assets of
the transmission system from the
vertically integrated undertaking.

its legal

In order to ensure the independence of the transmission
the following

2.
system operator referred to in paragraph 1,
minimum criteria shall apply:

(a)

the management of

those persons responsible for
the
transmission system operator may not participate in
gas
company
the
the
undertaking responsible, directly or
day-to-day operation of the production, distribution and
supply of natural gas;

integrated natural
for
indirectly,

structures

of

(b) appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that the
the
professional
management of
the transmission system operator are
taken into account in a manner that ensures that they are
capable of acting independently;

interests of persons

responsible

for

(c)

the

existence

appropriate

shall have effective
the transmission system operator
independent from the integrated
decision-making rights,
to assets necessary to
gas undertaking, with respect
operate, maintain or develop the network. This should not
prevent
coordination
of
mechanisms to ensure that the economic and management
supervision rights of the parent company in respect of
return on assets regulated indirectly in accordance with
Article 25(2) in a subsidiary are protected. In particular,
this shall enable the parent company to approve the
annual financial plan, or any equivalent instrument, of the
transmission system operator and to set global limits on
the levels of indebtedness of its subsidiary. It shall not

1. Without prejudice to Article 16 or any other legal duty
to disclose information, each transmission, storage and/or LNG
system operator
of
preserve
commercially sensitive information obtained in the course of
carrying out its business, and shall prevent information about
its own activities which may be commercially advantageous
from being disclosed in a discriminatory manner.

confidentiality

shall

the

2.
Transmission system operators shall not, in the context
of sales or purchases of natural gas by related undertakings,
abuse commercially sensitive information obtained from third
parties in the context of providing or negotiating access to the
system.

CHAPTER IV

DISTRIBUTION AND SUPPLY

Article 11

Designation of distribution system operators

Member States shall designate, or shall require undertakings
which own or are responsible for distribution systems to
designate, for a period of time to be determined by Member
States, having regard to considerations of efficiency and
economic balance, one or more distribution system operators
and shall ensure that those operators act in accordance with
Articles 12 to 14.

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Article 12

Tasks of distribution system operators

1.
Each distribution system operator shall operate, maintain
and develop under economic conditions a secure, reliable and
efficient system, with due regard for the environment.

2.
In any event, the distribution system operator shall not
discriminate between system users or classes of system users,
particularly in favour of its related undertakings.

3.
Each distribution system operator shall provide any other
distribution system operator, and/or any transmission, and/or
LNG system operator, and/or storage system operator with
sufficient information to ensure that the transport and storage
of natural gas takes place in a manner compatible with the
secure and efficient operation of the interconnected system.

4.
Each distribution system operator shall provide system
users with the information they need for efficient access to the
system.

shall

be objective,

that purpose

5. Where distribution system operators are responsible for
balancing the gas distribution system, rules adopted by them
for
and
non-discriminatory, including rules for the charging of system
users for energy imbalance. Terms and conditions,
including
rules and tariffs, for the provision of such services by system
operators shall be established pursuant
to a methodology
compatible with Article 25(2)
in a non-discriminatory and
cost-reflective way and shall be published.

transparent

Article 13

Unbundling of distribution system operators

in terms of

1. Where the distribution system operator is part of a
vertically integrated undertaking,
it shall be independent at
least
form, organisation and decision
making from other activities not relating to distribution. These
rules shall not create an obligation to separate the ownership
of assets of
the distribution system from the vertically
integrated undertaking.

its legal

In addition to the requirements of paragraph 1, where
2.
the distribution system operator
is part of a vertically
integrated undertaking, it shall be independent in terms of its
organisation and decision making from the other activities not
related to distribution. In order to achieve this, the following
minimum criteria shall apply:

(a)

the management of
those persons responsible for
distribution system operator may not participate

the
in

gas
structures of
company
undertaking responsible, directly or
the
day-to-day operation of the production, transmission and
supply of natural gas;

integrated natural
for
indirectly,

the

(b) appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that the
professional
the
management of the distribution system operator are taken
they are
into account
capable of acting independently;

in a manner that ensures that

interests of persons

responsible

for

(c)

(d)

the

existence

shall have

appropriate

effective
the distribution system operator
independent from the integrated
decision-making rights,
gas undertaking, with respect
to assets necessary to
operate, maintain or develop the network. This should not
prevent
coordination
of
mechanisms to ensure that the economic and management
supervision rights of the parent company in respect of
return on assets, regulated indirectly in accordance with
Article 25(2), in a subsidiary are protected. In particular,
this shall enable the parent company to approve the
annual financial plan, or any equivalent instrument, of the
limits on
distribution system operator and to set global
the levels of indebtedness of its subsidiary.
It shall not
permit the parent company to give instructions regarding
to individual
day-to-day operations, nor with respect
decisions concerning the construction or upgrading of
distribution lines, that do not exceed the terms of the
approved financial plan, or any equivalent instrument;

shall

distribution system operator

the
establish a
compliance programme, which sets out measures taken to
ensure that discriminatory conduct is excluded, and ensure
is adequately monitored. The
that observance of
the specific obligations of
programme shall
employees
report,
setting out the measures taken, shall be submitted by the
person or body responsible for monitoring the compliance
programme to the regulatory authority referred to in
Article 25(1) and shall be published.

this objective. An annual

it
set out

to meet

Member States may decide not to apply paragraphs 1 and 2 to
integrated natural gas undertakings serving less than 100 000
connected customers.

Article 14

Confidentiality for distribution system operators

the

1. Without prejudice to Article 16 or any other legal duty
to disclose information, each distribution system operator shall
preserve
sensitive
information obtained in the course of carrying out its business,
and shall prevent information about its own activities which
may be commercially advantageous from being disclosed in a
discriminatory manner.

confidentiality

commercially

of

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Distribution system operators shall not, in the context of
2.
sales or purchases of natural gas by related undertakings, abuse
commercially sensitive information obtained from third parties
in the context of providing or negotiating access to the system.

Article 15

Combined operator

The rules in Articles 9(1) and Article 13(1) shall not prevent
the operation of a combined transmission, LNG, storage and
distribution system operator, which is independent in terms of
its legal form, organisation and decision making from other
storage and
relating to transmission LNG,
activities not
distribution
the
requirements set out in points (a) to (d). These rules shall not
create an obligation to separate the ownership of assets of the
combined system from the vertically integrated undertaking:

and which meets

system operations

is excluded, and ensure

that
discriminatory conduct
observance of it is adequately monitored. The programme
shall set out the specific obligations of employees to meet
this objective. An annual report, setting out the measures
taken,
submitted by the person or body
responsible for monitoring the compliance programme to
the regulatory authority referred to in Article 25(1) and
shall be published.

shall be

CHAPTER V

UNBUNDLING AND TRANSPARENCY OF ACCOUNTS

Article 16

Right of access to accounts

(a)

those persons responsible for
the management of
combined system operator may not participate
company
undertaking responsible, directly or
day-to-day operation of
natural gas;

the
in
gas
the
the production and supply of

integrated natural
for
indirectly,

structures

the

of

(b) appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that the
professional
the
management of the combined system operator are taken
into account
they are
capable of acting independently;

in a manner that ensures that

interests of persons

responsible

for

(c)

the

existence

appropriate

combined system operator

effective
shall have
the
independent from the integrated
decision-making rights,
gas undertaking, with respect
to assets necessary to
operate, maintain or develop the network. This should not
coordination
of
prevent
mechanisms to ensure that the economic and management
supervision rights of the parent company in respect of
return on assets, regulated indirectly in accordance with
Article 25(2) in a subsidiary are protected. In particular,
this shall enable the parent company to approve the
annual financial plan, or any equivalent instrument, of the
combined system operator and to set global limits on the
levels of indebtedness of its subsidiary. It shall not permit
regarding
the parent
day-to-day operations, nor with respect
to individual
decisions concerning the construction or upgrading of
transmission and distribution lines, that do not exceed the
terms of the approved financial plan, or any equivalent
instrument;

company to give

instructions

(d)

the combined system operator shall establish a compliance
programme, which sets out measures taken to ensure that

any

States or

competent

1. Member
they
including the regulatory authorities referred to in
designate,
Article 25(1) and the dispute settlement authorities referred to
in Article 20(3), shall, insofar as necessary to carry out their
functions, have right of access to the accounts of natural gas
undertakings as set out in Article 17.

authority

2. Member States and any designated competent authority,
including the regulatory authorities referred to in Article 25(1)
shall preserve the
and the dispute settlement authorities,
confidentiality of commercially sensitive information. Member
States may provide for the disclosure of such information
where this is necessary in order for the competent authorities
to carry out their functions.

Article 17

Unbundling of accounts

1. Member States shall take the necessary steps to ensure
that
in
the accounts of natural gas undertakings are kept
accordance with paragraphs 2 to 5. Where undertakings
benefit from a derogation from this provision on the basis of
Article 28(2) and (4), they shall at least keep their internal
accounts in accordance with this Article.

Natural gas undertakings, whatever

2.
system of
ownership or legal form, shall draw up, submit to audit and
publish their annual accounts in accordance with the rules of
national law concerning the annual accounts of limited liability
companies adopted pursuant to the Fourth Council Directive

their

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78/660/EEC of 25 July 1978 based on Article 44(2)(g) (*) of
the Treaty on the annual accounts of certain types of
companies (1). Undertakings which are not legally obliged to
publish their annual accounts shall keep a copy of these at the
disposal of the public at their head office.

for

for

gas

and

shall,

Natural

accounts

each of

in their

distortion

undertakings

keep separate

cross-subsidisation

internal
3.
accounting,
their
transmission, distribution, LNG and storage activities as they
the activities in question were
would be required to do if
carried out by separate undertakings, with a view to avoiding
discrimination,
of
competition. They shall also keep accounts, which may be
consolidated,
to
transmission, distribution, LNG and storage. Until 1 July 2007,
they shall keep separate accounts for supply activities for
for non-eligible
eligible
and supply activities
customers.
the
of
from
transmission/distribution network shall be specified in the
accounts. Where appropriate,
they shall keep consolidated
accounts for other, non-gas activities. The internal accounts
shall include a balance sheet and a profit and loss account for
each activity.

ownership

customers

activities

Revenue

relating

other

not

gas

The audit, referred to in paragraph 2, shall, in particular,
the obligation to avoid discrimination and

4.
verify that
cross-subsidies referred to in paragraph 3, is respected.

5.
Undertakings shall specify in their internal accounting
the rules for the allocation of assets and liabilities, expenditure
and income as well as for depreciation, without prejudice to
nationally applicable accounting rules, which they follow in
drawing up the separate accounts referred to in paragraph 3.
These internal rules may be amended only in exceptional cases.
Such amendments shall be mentioned and duly substantiated.

6.
The
transaction of
undertakings.

annual
a

accounts
certain size

shall

indicate
any
conducted with related

in notes

CHAPTER VI

ORGANISATION OF ACCESS TO THE SYSTEM

Article 18

Third party access

1. Member States shall ensure the implementation of a
system of
transmission and
distribution system, and LNG facilities based on published

third party access

to the

(*) The title of Directive 78/660/EEC has been adjusted to take account
of the renumbering of the Articles of the Treaty establishing the
European Community in accordance with Article 12 of the Treaty
of Amsterdam; the original reference was to Article 54(3)(g).

(1) OJ L 222, 14.8.1978, p. 11. Directive as last amended by Directive
the Council

the European Parliament and of

2001/65/EC of
(OJ L 283, 27.10.2001, p. 28).

and

and

applied

including supply
tariffs, applicable to all eligible customers,
undertakings,
without
objectively
discrimination between system users. Member States shall
ensure that these tariffs, or the methodologies underlying their
calculation shall be approved prior to their entry into force by
a regulatory authority referred to in Article 25(1) and that
these
only
methodologies are approved — are published prior to their
entry into force.

the methodologies, where

tariffs — and

2.
Transmission system operators shall, if necessary for the
purpose of carrying out their functions including in relation to
cross-border transmission, have access to the network of other
transmission system operators.

The provisions of this Directive shall not prevent the
long-term contracts in so far as they comply

3.
conclusion of
with Community competition rules

Article 19

Access to storage

1.
For the organisation of access to storage facilities and
linepack when technically and/or economically necessary for
providing efficient access to the system for the supply of
customers, as well as for the organisation of access to ancillary
services, Member States may choose either or both of
the
referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4. These
procedures
procedures
in accordance with objective,
shall operate
transparent and non-discriminatory criteria.

2.
The provisions of paragraph 1 shall not apply to
ancillary services and temporary storage that are related to
LNG facilities and are necessary for the re-gaseification process
and subsequent delivery to the transmission system.

In the case of negotiated access, Member States shall take
3.
the necessary measures
for natural gas undertakings and
eligible customers either inside or outside the territory covered
by the interconnected system to be able to negotiate access to
storage and linepack, when technically and/or economically
necessary for providing efficient access to the system, as well
as for the organisation of access to other ancillary services.
The parties shall be obliged to negotiate access to storage,
linepack and other ancillary services in good faith.

Contracts for access to storage,
linepack and other ancillary
services shall be negotiated with the relevant storage system
operator or natural gas undertakings. Member States shall
require storage system operators and natural gas undertakings
to publish their main commercial conditions for the use of
storage,
linepack and other ancillary services within the first
six months following implementation of this Directive and on
an annual basis every year thereafter.

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In the case of regulated access Member States shall take
4.
the necessary measures to give natural gas undertakings and
eligible customers either inside or outside the territory covered
by the interconnected system a right
to access to storage,
linepack and other ancillary services, on the basis of published
that
tariffs and/or other terms and obligations for use of
storage and linepack, when technically and/or economically
necessary for providing efficient access to the system, as well
as for the organisation of access to other ancillary services.
This right of access for eligible customers may be given by
enabling them to enter into supply contracts with competing
natural gas undertakings other than the owner and/or operator
of the system or a related undertaking.

Article 20

Access to upstream pipeline networks

they are located, are able to obtain access

take the necessary measures to
1. Member States shall
ensure that natural gas undertakings and eligible customers,
to
wherever
upstream pipeline networks,
supplying
technical services incidental to such access, in accordance with
this Article, except for the parts of such networks and facilities
which are used for local production operations at the site of a
field where the gas is produced. The measures shall be notified
to the Commission in accordance with the provisions of
Article 33.

including facilities

2.
The access referred to in paragraph 1 shall be provided
in a manner determined by the Member State in accordance
with the relevant legal instruments. Member States shall apply
the objectives of fair and open access, achieving a competitive
market in natural gas and avoiding any abuse of a dominant
security and regularity of
position,
supplies, capacity which is or can reasonably be made
available, and environmental protection. The following may be
taken into account:

taking into account

(a)

the need to refuse access where there is an incompatibility
of
technical specifications which cannot be reasonably
overcome;

(b)

the need to avoid difficulties which cannot be reasonably
overcome and could prejudice the efficient, current and
planned future production of hydrocarbons, including that
from fields of marginal economic viability;

(c)

the duly substantiated reasonable
the need to respect
needs of the owner or operator of the upstream pipeline
network for the transport and processing of gas and the
interests of all other users of
the upstream pipeline
network or relevant processing or handling facilities who
may be affected; and

(d)

the need
procedures,
grant of
development.

their

administrative
to apply
in conformity with Community law, for the
authorisation for production or upstream

laws

and

settlement

arrangements,

they have in place
3. Member States shall ensure that
including an authority
dispute
independent of
relevant
to all
the parties with access
information, to enable disputes relating to access to upstream
taking into
pipeline networks to be settled expeditiously,
account the criteria in paragraph 2 and the number of parties
which may be involved in negotiating access to such networks.

for

arrangements

In the event of cross border disputes,

the dispute
4.
settlement
State having
jurisdiction over the upstream pipeline network which refuses
access shall be applied. Where, in cross border disputes, more
than one Member State covers the network concerned, the
Member States concerned shall consult with a view to ensuring
that the provisions of this Directive are applied consistently.

the Member

Article 21

Refusal of access

them from carrying out

1.
Natural gas undertakings may refuse access to the system
on the basis of lack of capacity or where the access to the
the public
system would prevent
service obligations
referred to in Article 3(2) which are
assigned to them or on the basis of serious economic and
financial difficulties with take-or-pay contracts having regard to
the criteria and procedures set out
in Article 27 and the
alternative chosen by the Member State in accordance with
paragraph 1 of that Article. Duly substantiated reasons shall be
given for such a refusal.

2. Member States may take the measures necessary to
ensure that the natural gas undertaking refusing access to the
system on the basis of lack of capacity or a lack of connection
makes the necessary enhancements as far as it is economic to
do so or when a potential customer is willing to pay for them.
In circumstances where Member States apply Article 4(4),
Member States shall take such measures.

Article 22

New infrastructure

1. Major new gas
interconnectors
between Member States, LNG and storage facilities, may, upon
request, be exempted from the provisions of Articles 18, 19,
20, and 25(2), (3) and (4) under the following conditions:

infrastructures,

i.e.

(a)

the investment must enhance competition in gas supply
and enhance security of supply;

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(b)

(c)

the level of risk attached to the investment is such that the
investment would not take place unless an exemption was
granted;

the infrastructure must be owned by a natural or legal
person which is separate at least in terms of its legal form
from the
that
infrastructure will be built;

system operators

in whose

systems

(d) charges are levied on users of that infrastructure;

(e)

the exemption is not detrimental to competition or the
effective functioning of the internal gas market, or the
efficient functioning of the regulated system to which the
infrastructure is connected.

2.
Paragraph 1 shall apply also to significant increases of
capacity in existing infrastructures and to modifications of
such infrastructures which enable the development of new
sources of gas supply.

3.

(a) The regulatory authority referred to in Article 25
may, on a case by case basis, decide on the
exemption referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2.
the
However, Member States may provide that
regulatory
formal
shall
decision, to the relevant body in the Member State
its opinion on the request for an exemption. This
opinion shall be published together with the
decision.

authorities

submit,

for

(b)

(i) The exemption may cover all or parts of,
respectively, the new infrastructure, the existing
increased
infrastructure
capacity or
the existing
infrastructure.

the modification of

significantly

with

(ii) In deciding to grant an exemption consideration
shall be given, on a case by case basis, to the
the
need
to
conditions
and
the
duration
non-discriminatory access to the interconnector.

impose
of

exemption

regarding

conditions

in this
(iii) When deciding on the
in particular, be
subparagraph account
the duration of contracts, additional
taken of
capacity to be built or
the modification of
existing capacity, the time horizon of the project
and national circumstances.

shall,

The exemption decision shall be notified, without delay,
4.
by the competent authority to the Commission, together with
all the relevant information with respect to the decision. This
information may be submitted to the Commission in aggregate
form, enabling the Commission to reach a well-founded
decision.

In particular, the information shall contain:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

the detailed reasons on the basis of which the regulatory
authority, or Member State, granted the
exemption,
including the financial information justifying the need for
the exemption;

the analysis undertaken of the effect on competition and
the effective functioning of
the internal gas market
resulting from the grant of the exemption;

the reasons for the time period and the share of the total
capacity of the gas infrastructure in question for which the
exemption is granted;

in case the exemption relates to an interconnector, the
result of
consultation with the Member States
concerned or regulatory authorities;

the

(e)

the contribution of the infrastructure to the diversification
of gas supply.

after

receiving

Within two months
the
Commission may request that the regulatory authority or the
Member State concerned amend or withdraw the decision to
grant an exemption. The two month period may be extended
by one additional month where additional
information is
sought by the Commission.

a notification,

If the regulatory authority or Member State concerned does
not comply with the request within a period of four weeks, a
final decision shall be taken in accordance with the procedure
referred to in Article 30(2).

The Commission shall preserve
commercially sensitive information.

the

confidentiality of

Article 23

Market opening and reciprocity

(c) When granting an exemption the relevant authority
may decide upon the rules and mechanisms for
management and allocation of capacity insofar as
long
this does not prevent the implementation of
term contracts.

(d) The exemption decision,
referred to in (b),
published.

including any conditions
shall be duly reasoned and

(e)

In the case of an interconnector any exemption
decision shall be taken after consultation with the
authorities
other Member States or
concerned.

regulatory

1. Member States shall ensure that the eligible customers
are:

(a) until 1 July 2004, the eligible customers as specified in
Article 18 of Directive 98/30/EC. Member States shall
publish by 31 January each year
the
definition of these eligible customers;

the criteria for

(b)

from 1 July 2004, at
customers;

the latest, all non-household

(c)

from 1 July 2007, all customers.

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2.

To avoid imbalance in the opening of gas markets:

(a)

(a)

contracts for the supply with an eligible customer in the
system of another Member State shall not be prohibited if
the customer is eligible in both systems involved;

(b)

in cases where transactions as described in point (a) are
refused because the customer is eligible in only one of the
two systems, the Commission may, taking into account
the situation in the market and the common interest,
oblige the refusing party to execute the requested supply,
at the request of one of the Member States of the two
systems.

Article 24

Direct lines

1. Member States shall
enable:

take the necessary measures to

(a) natural gas undertakings established within their territory
to supply the eligible customers through a direct line;

(b) any such eligible customer within their territory to be
supplied through a direct line by natural gas undertakings.

In circumstances where an authorisation (e.g.

licence,
2.
is required for
permission, concession, consent or approval)
the Member
the construction or operation of direct
lay
States or any competent authority they designate shall
down the criteria for
the
the grant of authorisations for
construction or operation of such lines in their territory. These
criteria shall be objective, transparent and non-discriminatory.

lines,

3. Member States may make authorisations to construct a
direct line subject either to the refusal of system access on the
basis of Article 21 or to the opening of a dispute settlement
procedure under Article 25.

Article 25

rules on the management

allocation of
the
interconnection
the
in
regulatory authority or authorities of those Member States
with which interconnection exists;

conjunction with

capacity,

and

(b) any mechanisms to deal with congested capacity within

the national gas system;

(c)

the time taken by transmission and distribution system
operators to make connections and repairs;

(d)

of

publication

appropriate

by
the
transmission and distribution system operators concerning
interconnectors, grid usage and capacity allocation to
interested parties, taking into account the need to treat
non-aggregated information as commercially confidential;

information

(e)

the effective unbundling of accounts as referred to in
Article 17, to ensure there are no cross subsidies between
transmission, distribution,
storage, LNG and supply
activities;

(f)

the access conditions to storage,
ancillary services as provided for in Article 19;

linepack and to other

(g)

the extent to which transmission and distribution system
operators fulfil their tasks in accordance with Articles 8
and 12;

(h)

the level of transparency and competition.

The authorities established pursuant
to this Article shall
publish an annual report on the outcome of their monitoring
activities referred to in points (a) to (h).

The regulatory authorities shall be responsible for fixing
2.
or approving prior to their entry into force, at
the
methodologies used to calculate or establish the terms and
conditions for :

least

(a)

connection and access to national networks,
including
transmission and distribution tariffs. These tariffs, or
methodologies, shall allow the necessary investments in
the networks to be carried out in a manner allowing these
investments to ensure the viability of the networks;

Regulatory authorities

(b)

the provision of balancing services.

1. Member States shall designate one or more competent
regulatory authorities. These
bodies with the function of
authorities shall be wholly independent of the interests of the
gas industry. They shall, through the application of this Article,
ensuring non-discrimination,
at
responsible
the
effective competition and the efficient
market, monitoring in particular:

functioning of

least be

for

3.
Notwithstanding paragraph 2, Member States may
provide that the regulatory authorities shall submit, for formal
decision, to the relevant body in the Member State the tariffs
or at least the methodologies referred to in that paragraph as
well as the modifications in paragraph 4. The relevant body
in such a case, have the power to either approve or
shall,
reject a draft decision submitted by the regulatory authority.

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These tariffs or the methodologies or modifications thereto
shall be published together with the decision on formal
adoption. Any formal rejection of a draft decision shall also be
published, including its justification.

Complaints referred to in paragraphs 5 and 6 shall be
11.
without prejudice to the exercise of rights of appeal under
Community and national law.

Regulatory authorities shall have the authority to require
4.
transmission, LNG and distribution system operators,
if
necessary, to modify the terms and conditions, including tariffs
and methodologies referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, to
ensure
and applied in a
are proportionate
non-discriminatory manner.

they

that

5.
Any party having a complaint against a transmission,
LNG or distribution system operator with respect to the issues
mentioned in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 and in Article 19 may
refer the complaint to the regulatory authority which, acting as
dispute settlement authority, shall issue a decision within two
months after receipt of the complaint. This period may be
extended by two months where additional
information is
sought by the regulatory authorities. This period may be
extended with the agreement of
the complainant. Such a
decision shall have binding effect unless and until overruled on
appeal.

Any party having a complaint against a transmission,
6.
LNG or distribution system operator with respect to the issues
mentioned in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 and in Article 19 may
refer the complaint to the regulatory authority which, acting as
dispute settlement authority, shall issue a decision within two
months after receipt of the complaint. This period may be
extended by two months where additional
information is
sought by the regulatory authorities. This period may be
extended with the agreement of
the complainant. Such a
decision shall have binding effect unless and until overruled on
appeal.

7. Member States
that
regulatory authorities are able to carry out their duties referred
to in paragraphs 1 to 5 in an efficient and expeditious manner.

take measures

to ensure

shall

8. Member States shall create appropriate and efficient
mechanisms for regulation, control and transparency so as to
avoid any abuse of a dominant position, in particular to the
detriment of consumers, and any predatory behaviour. These
mechanisms shall take account of the provisions of the Treaty,
and in particular Article 82 thereof.

taken,

including

9. Member States shall ensure that the appropriate measures
criminal
administrative
are
proceedings in conformity with their national law, against the
natural or legal persons responsible where confidentiality rules
imposed by this Directive have not been respected.

action or

12.
National regulatory authorities shall contribute to the
development of the internal market and of a level playing field
by cooperating with each other and with the Commission in a
transparent manner.

CHAPTER VII

FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 26

Safeguard measures

1.
In the event of a sudden crisis in the energy market or
where the physical safety or security of persons, apparatus or
installations or system integrity is threatened, a Member State
may temporarily take the necessary safeguard measures.

2.
Such measures shall cause the least possible disturbance
to the functioning of the internal market and shall not be
wider in scope than is strictly necessary to remedy the sudden
difficulties which have arisen.

The Member State concerned shall without delay notify
3.
to the other Member States, and to the
these measures
the Member State
that
Commission, which may decide
concerned must amend or abolish such measures,
insofar as
they distort competition and adversely affect trade in a manner
which is at variance with the common interest.

Article 27

Derogations in relation to take-or-pay commitments

1.
If a natural gas undertaking encounters, or considers it
would encounter, serious economic and financial difficulties
because of its take-or-pay commitments accepted in one or
more gas-purchase contracts, an application for a temporary
derogation from Article 18 may be sent to the Member State
concerned or the designated competent authority. Applications
shall, according to the choice of Member States, be presented
on a case-by-case basis either before or after refusal of access
to the system. Member States may also give the natural gas
undertaking the choice of presenting an application either
before or after refusal of access to the system. Where a natural
gas undertaking has refused access, the application shall be
presented without
be
accompanied by all relevant information on the nature and
extent of the problem and on the efforts undertaken by the
natural gas undertaking to solve the problem.

applications

delay.

shall

The

In the event of cross border disputes,

10.
the deciding
regulatory authority shall be the regulatory authority which
the system operator, which
has jurisdiction in respect of
refuses use of, or access to, the system.

If alternative solutions are not reasonably available, and taking
into account the provisions of paragraph 3, the Member State
or the designated competent authority may decide to grant a
derogation.

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State, or

The Member

the designated competent
2.
authority, shall notify the Commission without delay of its
decision to grant a derogation, together with all the relevant
information with respect to the derogation. This information
may be submitted to the Commission in an aggregated form,
enabling the Commission to reach a well-founded decision.
the
Within eight weeks of
Commission may request
the
that
designated competent authority concerned amend or withdraw
the decision to grant a derogation.

this notification,
the Member State or

its receipt of

If the Member State or the designated competent authority
concerned does not comply with this request within a period
of four weeks, a final decision shall be taken expeditiously in
accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 30(2).

The Commission shall
preserve
commercially sensitive information.

the

confidentiality of

3. When deciding on the derogations
referred to in
paragraph 1, the Member State, or the designated competent
authority, and the Commission shall
in
particular, the following criteria:

take into account,

(a)

the objective of achieving a competitive gas market;

(b)

the need to fulfil public service obligations and to ensure
security of supply;

lead to a situation in which it

A decision on a request for a derogation concerning take or
pay contracts concluded before the entry into force of this
Directive should not
is
impossible to find economically viable alternative outlets.
Serious difficulties shall
in any case be deemed not to exist
when the sales of natural gas do not fall below the level of
minimum offtake guarantees contained in gas purchase take or
in so far as the relevant gas purchase
pay contracts or
take-or-pay contract can be adapted or
the natural gas
undertaking is able to find alternative outlets.

4.
Natural gas undertakings which have not been granted a
derogation as referred to in paragraph 1 shall not refuse, or
to the system because of
shall no longer
take-or-pay commitments accepted in a gas purchase contract.
Member States shall ensure that
the relevant provisions of
Chapter VI namely Articles 18 to 25 are complied with.

refuse, access

5.
Any derogation granted under the above provisions shall
be duly substantiated. The Commission shall publish the
decision in the Official Journal of the European Union.

this Directive,

The Commission shall, within five years of the entry into
6.
force of
submit a review report on the
experience gained from the application of this Article, so as to
allow the European Parliament and the Council to consider, in
due course, the need to adjust it.

Article 28

(c)

the position of the natural gas undertaking in the gas
market and the actual state of competition in this market;

Emergent and isolated markets

(d)

the seriousness of the economic and financial difficulties
encountered by natural gas undertakings and transmission
undertakings or eligible customers;

(e)

the dates of signature and terms of
the contract or
contracts in question, including the extent to which they
allow for market changes;

(f)

the efforts made to find a solution to the problem;

(g)

in

to which, when accepting the take-or-pay
the extent
commitments
could
reasonably have foreseen, having regard to the provisions
that serious difficulties were likely to
of this Directive,
arise;

undertaking

question,

the

(h)

the level of connection of the system with other systems
and the degree of interoperability of these systems; and

(i)

the effects the granting of a derogation would have on the
correct application of this Directive as regards the smooth
functioning of the internal natural gas market.

to

not

States

directly

connected

1. Member
the
interconnected system of any other Member State and having
only one main external supplier may derogate from Articles 4,
9, 23 and/or 24 of this Directive. A supply undertaking having
a market share of more than 75 % shall be considered to be a
main supplier. This derogation shall automatically expire from
the moment when at least one of these conditions no longer
applies. Any such derogation shall be notified to the
Commission.

2.
A Member State, qualifying as an emergent market,
which because of the implementation of this Directive would
experience substantial problems may derogate from Articles 4,
7, 8(1) and (2), 9, 11, 12(5), 13, 17, 18, 23(1) and/or 24 of this
Directive. This derogation shall automatically expire from the
moment when the Member State no longer qualifies as an
emergent market. Any such derogation shall be notified to the
Commission.

3.
On the date at which the derogation referred to in
paragraph 2 expires, the definition of eligible customers shall
result in an opening of the market equal to at least 33 % of
the total annual gas consumption of the national gas market.
Two years thereafter, Article 23(1)(b) shall apply, and three
years thereafter, Article 23(1)(c). Until Article 23(1)(b) applies
the Member State referred to in paragraph 2 may decide not to

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apply Article 18 as far as ancillary services and temporary
storage for
the re-gaseification process and its subsequent
delivery to the transmission system are concerned.

this Directive would cause
4. Where implementation of
substantial problems in a geographically limited area of a
Member State, in particular concerning the development of the
transmission and major distribution infrastructure, and with a
view to encouraging investments, the Member State may apply
to the Commission for a temporary derogation from Article 4,
Article 7, Article 8(1) and (2), Article 9, Article 11, Article
12(5), Article 13, Article 17, Article 18, Article 23(1) and/or
Article 24 for developments within this area.

The Commission shall

inform the Member States of
7.
applications made under paragraph 4 prior
to taking a
decision pursuant to paragraph 5, taking into account respect
for confidentiality. This decision, as well as the derogations
referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, shall be published in the
Official Journal of the European Union.

8.
Greece may derogate from Articles 4, 11, 12, 13, 18, 23
and/or 24 of this Directive for the geographical areas and time
periods specified in the licences issued by it, prior to 15 March
for the
2002 and in accordance with Directive 98/30/EC,
development
distribution
exclusive
networks in certain geographical areas.

exploitation of

and

5.
The Commission may grant the derogation referred to in
paragraph 4, taking into account, in particular, the following
criteria:

Article 29

Review Procedure

— the need for infrastructure investments, which would not
competitive market

to operate

in a

economic
be
environment,

— the level and pay-back prospects of investments required,

— the size and maturity of

the gas system in the area

concerned,

— the prospects for the gas market concerned,

— the geographical size and characteristics of the area or
region concerned, and socioeconomic and demographic
factors.

(a) For gas infrastructure other than distribution infrastructure
a derogation may be granted only if no gas infrastructure
has been established in this area, or has been so
established for
temporary
derogation may not exceed 10 years from the time gas is
first supplied in the area.

than 10 years. The

less

In the event that the report referred to in Article 31(3) reaches
the conclusion whereby, given the effective manner in which
network access has been carried out in a Member State —
which gives rise to fully effective, non-discriminatory and
unhindered network access –, the Commission concludes that
certain obligations imposed by this Directive on undertakings
(including
for
distribution system operators) are not proportionate to the
objective pursued, the Member State in question may submit a
request
exemption from the
requirement in question.

to the Commission for

to legal unbundling

those with respect

The request shall be notified, without delay, by the Member
the relevant
State to the Commission,
information necessary to demonstrate that
the conclusion
reached in the report on effective network access being
ensured will be maintained.

together with all

its receipt of a notification,

Within three months of
the
Commission shall adopt an opinion with respect to the request
by the Member State concerned, and where appropriate,
submit proposals to the European Parliament and to the
Council to amend the relevant provisions of the Directive. The
Commission may propose,
in the proposals to amend the
Directive, to exempt the Member State concerned from specific
requirements
to that Member State implementing
equally effective measures as appropriate.

subject

(b) For distribution infrastructure

a derogation may be
granted for a time period which may not exceed 20 years
for the distribution infrastructure from the time gas is first
supplied through the said system in the area.

Article 30

Committee

6.
Luxembourg may benefit from a derogation from Articles
8(3) and 9 for a period of five years from 1 July 2004. Such a
derogation shall be reviewed before the end of the five year
period and any decision to renew the derogation for another
five years shall be taken in accordance with the procedure
referred to in Article 30(2). Any such derogation shall be
notified to the Commission.

1.

The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee.

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3
and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to
the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

3.

The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.

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Article 31

Reporting

shall monitor

The Commission

1.
review the
application of this Directive and submit an overall progress
report to the European Parliament and the Council before the
end of the first year following the entry into force of this
Directive, and thereafter on an annual basis. The report shall
cover at least:

and

(a)

the experience gained and progress made in creating a
complete and fully operational internal market in natural
gas and the obstacles that remain in this respect including
aspects of market dominance, concentration in the market,
predatory or anti-competitive behaviour;

(b)

the derogations granted under this Directive,
including
implementation of the derogation provided for in Article
13(2) with a view to a possible revision of the threshold;

(c)

to which the unbundling and tarification
the extent
requirements
contained in this Directive have been
successful in ensuring fair and non-discriminatory access
to the Community's gas system and equivalent levels of
competition, as well as the economic, environmental and
social consequences of the opening of the gas market for
customers;

(d) an examination of issues relating to system capacity levels
and security of supply of natural gas in the Community,
the existing and projected balance
and in particular
between demand and supply,
the
physical capacity for exchanges between areas and the
the
development of storage (including the question of
proportionality of market regulation in this field);

taking into account

(e)

special attention will be given to the measures taken in
Member States to cover peak demand and to deal with
shortfalls of one or more suppliers;

(f)

a general assessment of the progress achieved with regard
to bilateral relations with third countries which produce
and export or transport natural gas, including progress in
market integration, trade and access to the networks of
such third countries;

(g)

the need for possible harmonisation requirements which
are not linked to the provisions of this Directive.

Every two years, the report referred to in paragraph 1
2.
shall also cover an analysis of the different measures taken in
Member States to meet public service obligations, together
with an examination of the effectiveness of those measures,
their effects on competition in the gas
and in particular
include
appropriate,
market. Where
recommendations as to the measures to be taken at national
level
to achieve high public service standards or measures
intended to prevent market foreclosure.

report may

the

3.
The Commission shall, no later than 1 January 2006,
forward to the European Parliament and Council, a detailed
report outlining progress in creating the internal gas market.
The report shall, in particular, consider:

— the existence of non-discriminatory network access;

— effective regulation;

— the development of

the
conditions of transit, and the security of supply situation
in the Community;

interconnection infrastructure,

— the extent to which the full benefits of the opening of the
market are accruing to small enterprises and households,
notably with respect to public service standards;

— the extent
effective
dominance, market
anti-competitive behaviour;

competition,

to which markets are in practice open to
of market
aspects
concentration and predatory or

including

— the extent

to which customers are actually switching

suppliers and renegotiating tariffs;

— price developments, including supply prices, in relation to

the degree of the opening of markets;

effective and non-discriminatory third party
— whether
access
storage exists when technically and/or
economically necessary for providing efficient access to
the system;

to gas

integrated undertakings

— the experience gained in the application of the Directive
as far as the effective independence of system operators in
vertically
concerned and
whether other measures
in addition to functional
independence and separation of accounts have been
developed which
legal
unbundling.

equivalent

effects

have

to

is

Where appropriate, this report may include recommendations
effects of market
and measures
dominance and market concentration.

to counteract negative

Where appropriate, the Commission shall submit proposals to
in particular to
the European Parliament and the Council,
guarantee high public service standards.

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Where appropriate, the Commission shall submit proposals to
the European Parliament and the Council,
in particular to
ensure full and effective independence of distribution system
operators before 1 July 2007. When necessary, these proposals
shall,
in conformity with competition law, also concern
measures to address issues of market dominance, market
concentration and predatory or anti-competitive behaviour.

Article 32

Repeals

1.
Directive 91/296/EEC shall be repealed with effect from 1
July 2004, without prejudice to contracts concluded pursuant
to Article 3(1) of Directive 91/296/EEC, which shall continue
to be valid and to be implemented under the terms of the said
Directive.

2.
Directive 98/30/EC shall be repealed from 1 July 2004,
to the obligations of Member States
without prejudice
concerning the deadlines for transposition and application of
the said Directive. References made to the repealed Directive
shall be construed as being made to this Directive and should
be read in accordance with the correlation table in Annex B.

Article 33

Implementation

2. Member States may postpone the implementation of
Article 13(1) until 1 July 2007. This shall be without prejudice
to the requirements contained in Article 13(2).

3. When Member States adopt these measures, they shall
contain a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied
by such reference on the occasion of their official publication.
The methods of making such reference shall be laid down by
Member States.

Article 34

Entry into force

into force on thetwentieth day
This Directive shall enter
following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the
European Union.

Article 35

Addressees

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 26 June 2003.

1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations
and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this
Directive not later than 1 July 2004. They shall forthwith
inform the Commission thereof.

For the European Parliament

The President

P. COX

For the Council

The President

A. TSOCHATZOPOULOS

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ANNEX A

Measures on consumer protection

in particular Directives 97/7/EC of the European
Without prejudice to Community rules on consumer protection,
Parliament and of the Council (1) and Council Directive 93/13/EC (2), the measures referred to in Article 3 are to
ensure that customers:

(a) have a right to a contract with their gas service provider that specifies:

— the identity and address of the supplier;

— the services provided, the service quality levels offered, as well as the time for the initial connection;

— if offered, the types of maintenance service offered;

— the means by which up to date information on all applicable tariffs and maintenance charges may be obtained;

— the duration of the contract, the conditions for renewal and termination of services and of the contract, the

existence of any right of withdrawal;

— any compensation and the refund arrangements which apply if contracted service quality levels are not met;

and

— the method of initiating procedures for settlement of disputes in accordance with point (f).

Conditions shall be fair and well known in advance. In any case, this information should be provided prior to the
conclusion or confirmation of the contract. Where contracts are concluded through intermediaries, the above
information shall also be provided prior to the conclusion of the contract:

(b) are given adequate notice of any intention to modify contractual conditions and are informed about their right of
withdrawal when the notice is given. Service providers shall notify their subscribers directly of any increase in
charges, at an appropriate time no later than one normal billing period after the increase comes into effect.
Member States shall ensure that customers are free to withdraw from contracts if they do not accept the new
conditions, notified to them by their gas service provider;

(c)

receive transparent information on applicable prices and tariffs and on standard terms and conditions, in respect of
access to and use of gas services;

(d) are offered a wide choice of payment methods. Any difference in terms and conditions shall reflect the costs to the
supplier of the different payment systems. General terms and conditions shall be fair and transparent. They shall be
given in clear and comprehensible language. Customers shall be protected against unfair or misleading selling
methods;

(e)

shall not be charged for changing supplier;

(f) benefit from transparent, simple and inexpensive procedures for dealing with their complaints. Such procedures
shall enable disputes to be settled fairly and promptly with provision, where warranted,
for a system of
reimbursement and/or compensation. They should follow, wherever possible, the principles set out in Commission
Recommendation 98/257/EC (3);

(g) connected to the gas system are informed about their rights to be supplied, under the national

legislation

applicable, with natural gas of a specified quality at reasonable prices.

(1) OJ L 144, 4.6.1997, p. 19.
(2) OJ L 95, 21.4.1993, p. 29.
(3) OJ L 115, 17.4.1998, p. 31.

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ANNEX B

Correlation table

Directive 98/30/EC

This Directive

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 4

—

Article 5

Article 6

Article 7

—

Article 8

Article 9(1)

Article 10

—

Article 1

Scope

Article 2

Definitions

Article 3

PSOs and Customer protection

Article 4

Authorisation procedure

Article 5

Monitoring of security of supply

Article 6

Technical rules

Article 7

Designation of TSOs

Article 8

Tasks of TSOs

Article 9

Unbundling of TSOs

Article 10

Confidentiality for TSOs

Article 11

Designation of DSOs

Article 12

Tasks of DSOs

Article 13

Unbundling of DSOs

Article 11

Article 14

Confidentiality for DSOs

—

Article 12

Article 13

Article 15

Combined operator

Article 16

Right of access to accounts

Article 17

Unbundling of accounts

Article 14-16

Article 18

Third Party Access

—

Article 23

Article 17

—

Article 19

Access to storage

Article 20

Access to upstream pipeline networks

Article 21

Refusal of access

Article 22

New infrastructure

Article 18 and 19

Article 23

Market opening and reciprocity

Article 20

Article 24

Direct lines

Article 21(2)-(3) and 22

Article 25

Regulatory authorities

Article 24

Article 25

Article 26

—

—

Article 26

Safeguard measures

Article 27

Derogations in relation to take-or-pay commitments

Article 28

Emergent and Isolated Markets

Article 29

Review procedure

Article 30

Committee

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Directive 98/30/EC

This Directive

Article 27 and 28

Article 31

Reporting

—

Article 29

Article 30

Article 31

Article 32

Repeals

Article 33

Implementation

Article 34

Entry into force

Article 35

Addressees

Annex A

Measures on consumer protection