The introduction of the 3^rd Energy Package creates a new context for the achievement of a single European energy market with the result that the overall approach to achieving a single market must be refreshed. The measures in the 3^rd Energy Package have the potential to accelerate the progress towards a single European energy market through the establishment of new European institutions (i.e. ACER and ENTSOs) as well as through the development of Framework Guidelines and the adoption of network codes through comitology procedure which will establish a binding cross-border regulatory framework. The enhancement of regulators´ powers in respect of cross-border issues will allow them to enforce their decisions. These measures, when implemented, will transform the context within which the ERGEG Regional Initiatives operate from an essentially voluntary one, to one with binding and enforceable rules. 

The present paper examines the role of the Regional Initiatives in the context of the achievement of a single European energy market and also addresses the question of the overall approach for achieving this goal. 

Interested parties are invited to submit comments by 31 January 2010 and these should be sent by e-mail to: Regional_Initiatives_Strategy_Paper@ergeg.org.  

Following the end of the public consultation period, ERGEG will publish all comments and replies to questions received from stakeholders.  If a respondent would like ERGEG to treat their contribution with confidentiality then this must be explicitly mentioned in their reply. If possible, confidential information should be provided as a separate annex, so that the main document may be published. Unless marked as confidential, all responses will be published by placing them on the ERGEG website: http://www.energy-regulators.eu.

Any questions relating to this document should in the first instance be directed to:
          Mrs. Fay Geitona
          CEER Secretary General
          Email: fay.geitona@ceer.eu
          Fax +32 2 788 73 50
          Tel. +32 2 788 73 30