What is wrong with the status quo?
The second legislative package was adopted in 2003 and implemented at the national level. We now have several years of experience with the second package. Together with energy regulators and other stakeholders, the EC has undertaken comprehensive studies, investigations and enquiries on the current electricity and gas market situation. A number of shortcomings were identified and these need to be addressed immediately. The benefits from earlier legislation will not materialize if these new measures are not taken. Otherwise European energy consumers, citizens and industries, will not get what they need and what they deserve – or, for that matter, what has been promised. There are only some provisions in the second package concerning distribution and market opening which entered into force on July 1, 2007. In these areas, the EC does not propose any fundamental changes.
