Eurogas Calls for Directive Re-think

Trade body Eurogas said January 18 that it has concerns about the plan to amend the European Union gas directive, under the Romanian presidency. The lobby group "expresses the need for more reflection on the implications for security of supply for the EU," it said January 18.

"Eurogas has concerns around the proposal relating to security of supply, investment security, trade relations between the EU and third countries as well as the impact over the sovereignty of member states to determine their choice between energy sources and the general structure of their energy supply under Article 194(2) TFEU. These should be addressed to ensure that we have the most resilient energy system," it said. It had also criticised the earlier text, before the amendment.

Eurogas supports any legislative amendments that contribute to security of supply and the well-functioning of the market in the EU. It is essential however that an impact assessment is conducted prior to tabling any proposals, it said.

For more detailed analysis of the directive, please see comment by regulatory affairs specialist Alex Barnes here.