Policy Sections
Mini Sections
The merger of French energy companies Gaz de France and Suez has created a new national 'champion', triggering accusations of protectionism from some of the country's neighbours. But the Commission expects the new giant to respect its obligations under EU competition law.
LinksDossier: Liberalising the EU energy sector
The EU's highest court ruled on 17 July that Spain broke EU internal market rules when it insisted last year that all mergers in the energy sector must be pre-approved by its national energy regulator, effectively thwarting a takeover attempt on the national energy company Endesa by Germany's E.ON.
As the EU embarks on a third wave of energy liberalisation, some voices are warning that the gas sector must be treated with extra caution as the current proposals are causing tensions with Europe's largest supplier, Russia. (read more)
Industries and private households are in theory able to freely choose their energy supplier following the entry into force of EU directives in 2004 and 2007, but many obstacles remain, with a single European energy market still far from reality. (read more)
The lack of internationally-agreed criteria for sustainable biofuels production and the muddle of different government measures aimed at sheltering domestic markets are holding back growth in global biofuel trade and could stunt EU progress towards its goal of gradually replacing oil in transport. (read more)
Bulgaria
Czech Republic
France
Hungary
Poland
Romania
Slovakia
Turkey
News: 
Europeans challenge Europe
Evropa.dnevnik.bg:
EurActiv.cz:
EurActiv.fr:
EurActiv.hu:
EurActiv.pl:
EurActiv.ro:
EurActiv.sk:
EurActiv.com.tr: