February 2017

The achievement of efficient and secure energy supply and a clean environment do not have to be conflicting objectives. However, meeting both goals will require meaningful market-oriented reform of energy policy at the EU level.

Despite successive attempts at liberalisation, national electricity markets remain highly concentrated. Retail prices are still regulated in 13 Member States, preventing supply and demand from being efficiently managed. Resistance to reform comes mainly from the lobbying of national governments by incumbents.

Two measures in particular should be at the heart of EU energy reform: the substitution of myriad emissions reduction schemes and targets, and their substitution by a comprehensive Emissions Trading System; and the phasing-out of renewables subsidies at EU and national levels