Slow pace of liberalisation prompts investigation
A wide-ranging investigation into energy market liberalisation is expected to be launched by the European Commission’s competition department this year. Prompted by concerns that efforts to liberalise gas and electricity markets have stalled, an inquiry is expected to begin in May and preliminary results could be expected in 2006. The investigation stems from the slow progress some states have made in opening domestic energy markets to competition. Some 10 EU nations have failed to implement the Commission’s directives on energy liberalisation.