WRITTEN QUESTION P-0324/04 by W.G. van Velzen (PPE-DE) to the Commission. New Belgian levy on Netherlands and German electricity distribution companies for use of the Belgian high-voltage grid when importing electricity from France.
Date: 2004-02-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, application of EU law, electrical industry, electricity supply, intra-EU trade, tax system, trade restriction

C 84 E/360

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.4.2004

Additionally, the IKEA project was essential to identify the problems of market entry and point to concrete
solutions and actions to overcome them. The Commission will therefore, in the Marco Polo Programme,
continue this kind of risk funding to companies willing to pioneer new solutions. Building on PACT
experience, all projects funded through the Marco Polo Programme will be subject to rigorous evaluation
concerning their commercial and financial soundness.

(1) OJ L 277, 14.10.1998.
(2) OJ L 196, 2.8.2003.

(2004/C 84 E/0418)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0324/04

by W.G. van Velzen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(3 February 2004)

Subject: New Belgian levy on Netherlands and German electricity distribution companies for use of the

Belgian high-voltage grid when importing electricity from France

According to an article published in the Financieel Dagblad of 20 January 2004, Belgium is imposing a
new levy on Netherlands and German electricity distribution companies for use of the Belgian high-voltage
grid when importing electricity from France.

Is the Commission aware of this report, and is the substance of the Financieel Dagblad article

1.
correct?

Does the Commission consider that Belgium is permitted to impose a new levy for the use of the

2.
Belgian high-voltage grid by Netherlands and Germany? If so, on the basis of what article?

3.

If not, what action does the Commission intend to take?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(4 March 2004)

Having looked into this matter, it would seem that the Belgian Federal Government does intend to impose
specific charges on cross-border transits of electricity.

At this point in time, it is therefore merely an intention.

If this were to materialise, and the system operator was obliged to levy this type of charge, it goes without
saying that the Commission would initiate the usual action to verify the compatibility of such a measure
with the internal market and the inter-TSO (Transmission System Operator) compensation mechanism
recently introduced which makes it possible for the first time to eliminate in the EU any charge on
individual transactions and, as from 1 July 2004, with Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 1228/
2003 of 26 June 2003 on conditions for access to the network for cross-border exchanges in electricity (1).

Pursuant to Article 4(5) of that regulation,
transactions for declared transits of electricity’.

‘there shall be no specific network charge on individual

The Commission will keep an eye on this matter and will do everything in its power to prevent the
establishment of national mechanisms which might adversely affect intra-Community trade.

(1) OJ L 176, 15.7.2003.