Abstract :
The opening up of electricity markets in Europe to more competition has received a lot of attention during the past years. The attention given to it lately, however, is proof of a growing momentum as regards this subject. At present all Member States of the European Union agree with the objective of an open and competitive internal electricity market. The European Parliament supported this objective as well two years ago. The electricity consuming industry has supported the Commission´s efforts for a long time and the electricity producing industry, represented through Eurelectric, has come out in favour as well. Some might still have concerns about modalities or details, but all agree on the final objective. The drive towards liberalizing electricity markets in Europe forms part of an ongoing process of change. The objective of the change is the establishment of the internal energy market, which will cover both the electricity industry as well as the gas market. The author discusses the approach to establishing the internal energy market
