How will the liberalized energy market increase energy security of supply? Will it help prevent blackouts or gas supply interruptions?
The dispute between Russia and Ukraine in January 2009 showed that many member states, in particular in Eastern Europe, were severely affected by supply disruption due to the lack of an integrated and liberalized European gas market. In fact, isolated markets with only one source of gas have proven to be more vulnerable to supply disruptions than well-integrated markets with gas supply from different sources. Competition between various suppliers naturally leads to diversification of sources and routes. The third legislative package’s provisions on unbundling are expected to trigger new investments in networks necessary to enable diversification of routes and sources.
