In 2019, the electricity market design replaced the electricity part of the 2009 third energy package, and was further amended in 2024. Also in 2024, new EU legislation on internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen replaced the gas part of the third energy package.
The 2 main pillars of this governance system are
- Unbundled transmission and distribution system operators (TSOs and DSOs) ensuring that networks are operated independent from potentially conflicting interests of energy producers and suppliers. Electricity TSOs cooperate at EU level in ENTSO-E, gas TSOs in ENTSOG and electricity or gas DSOs in the EU DSO Entity
- Independent regulatory authorities for energy at national level who are complemented at EU level by the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER).
Unbundling
Unbundling is the separation of energy supply and generation from the operation of transmission networks. If a single company operates a transmission network and generates or sells energy at the same time, it may have an incentive to obstruct competitors' access to infrastructure. This prevents fair competition in the market and can lead to higher prices for consumers.
Unbundling must take place in one of three ways, depending on the preferences of individual EU countries
- ownership unbundling - all integrated energy companies sell off their gas and electricity networks. In this case, no supply or production company is allowed to hold a majority share or interfere in the work of a transmission system operator
- independent system operator - energy supply companies may still formally own gas or electricity transmission networks but must leave the entire operation, maintenance, and investment in the grid to an independent company
- independent transmission system operator - energy supply companies may still own and operate gas or electricity networks but must do so through a subsidiary. All important decisions must be taken independently of the parent company
The European Commission publishes guidance documents, which explain how these unbundling models should be applied.
Commission opinions on national certification procedures
Operators that comply with the unbundling rules can apply for certification with their national energy regulator. Every operator in Europe must be certified and the Commission provides its opinion on the certification procedure. These opinions are published by the Commission. The opinions are listed per two years, as shown below.
Opinions from 2025 and 2026
08 April 2026 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for TenneT TSO GmbH, C(2026)2456; 177-2026-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
31 March 2026 - Commission's Opinion on CRU´s (Commission for Regulation of Utilities) draft certification decision for Greenlink Interconnector Limited C(2026)2322; 176-2026-IE
Opinion: English version
30 March 2026 - Commission's Opinion pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1789 and Article 71 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 - Poland – Gaz-System S.A.
C(2026)1943
Opinion: English version, Polish version
Opinions from 2023 and 2024
10 June 2024 - Commission's Opinion on E-controls´s draft certification decision for Tiroler Übertragungsnetz GmbH (TÜN) C(2024)3937; 174-2024-AT
Opinion: English version, German version
28 May 2024 - Commission's Opinion on CRU´s (Commission for Regulation of Utilities) draft certification decision for Greenlink Interconnector Limited C(2024)3660; 172-2024-IE
Opinion: English version
29 April 2024 - Commission's Opinion on Energy Markets Inspectorate’s draft certification decision for Swedegas AB C(2024)2941; 173-2024-SE
Opinion: English version, Swedish version
03 February 2023 - Commission's Opinion on ARERA's draft certification decision for SRG S.p.A.
C(2023)914; 171-2022-IT
Opinion: English version, Italian version
Opinions from 2021 and 2022
12 July 2021 - Commission's Opinion on Energy Markets Inspectorate on the certification decision of Swedegas AB
C(2021)5269; 167-2021-SE
Opinion: English version, Swedish version
25 May 2021 - Commission's Opinion on HERA's draft certification decision for PLINACRO
C(2021)3856; 166-2021-HR
Opinion: English version, Croatian version
12 May 2021 - Commission's Opinion on e-Control's draft certification decision for Gas Connect
C(2021)3505; 165-2021-AT
Opinion: English version, German version
13 September 2022 - Commission's Opinion on CNMC's draft certification decision for ENAGAS
C(2022)6623; 170-2022-ES
Opinion: English version, Spanish version
06 June 2022 - Commission's Opinion on EWRC 's draft certification decision for ICGB AD
C(2022)4656; 169-2022-BG
Opinion: English version
06 June 2022 - Commission's Opinion on CNMC's draft certification decision for ENAGAS
C(2022)3750; 168-2022-ES
Opinion: English version, Spanish version
Opinions from 2019 and 2020
10 November 2020 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for Diamond Transmission Partners Hornsea One Limited
C(2020)7745; 164-2020-UK
Opinion: English version
28 October 2020 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for Gas Networks Ireland (GNI)
C(2020)7584; 163-2020-UK
Opinion: English version
10/ September 2020 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for TenneT Offshore 1 and TenneT Offshore 9
C(2020)6306; 162-2020-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
02 July 2020 - Commission's Opinion on EMA's draft certification decision for Gasgrid Finland Oy
C(2020)4531; 161-2020-FI
Opinion: English version, Finnish version
29 May 2020 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for TC Beatrice OFTO Limited
C(2020)3623; 160-2020-UK
Opinion: English version
12 May 2020 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for TC Rampion OFTO Limited
C(2020)3155; 159-2020-UK
Opinion: English version
19 December 2019 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for Ferngas
C(2019)9299; 158-2019-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
05 December 2019 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for Diamond Transmission Partners Walney Extension
C(2019)8845; 157-2019-UK
Opinion: English version
20 September 2019 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for Baltic Cable
C(2019)6894; 156-2019-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
07 August 2019 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for Diamond Transmission Partners Galloper
C(2019)5994; 155-2019-UK
Opinion: English version
22 July 2019 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for Ferngas
C(2019)5524; 154-2019-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
04 April 2019 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decisions for IFA 2 and NSL Interconnectors
C(2019)2752; 152-2019-UK, 153-2019-UK
Opinion: English version
07 February 2019 - Commission's Opinion on CNMC's draft certification decision for Reganosa
C(2019)1051; 151-2018-ES
Opinion: English version, Spanish version
24 January 2019 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for Diamond Transmission Partners
C(2019)699; 150-2018-UK
Opinion: English version
Opinions from 2017 and 2018
05 May 2017 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for TenneT offshore
C(2017)3169, Corrigendum C(2017)5771; 131-2017-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
Corrigendum: English version, German version
24 May 2017 - Commission's Opinion on RAE's draft certification decision for ADMIE
C(2017)3715; 132-2017-GR
Opinion: English version, Greek version
09 June 2017 - Commission's Opinion on AEEGSI's draft certification decision for SGI
C(2017)4101; 133-2017-IT
Opinion: English version, Italian version
25 September 2017 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for OPAL
C(2017)6554; 130-2017-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
20 December 2017 - Commission's Opinion on e-Control's draft certification decision for GCA
C(2017)9028; 135-2017-AT
Opinion: English version, German version
20 December 2017 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for Greater Gabbard OFTO
C(2017)9029; 136-2017-UK
Opinion: English version
10 January 2018 - Commission's Opinion on RAE's draft certification decision for RTE
C(2018)150; 134-2017-FR
Opinion: English version, French version
07 February 2018 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for NEMO Link Limited
C(2018)723; 137-2017-UK
Opinion: English version
14 February 2018 - Commission's Opinion on CNMC's draft certification decision for Reganosa
C(2018)1021; 138-2017-ES
Opinion: English version, Spanish version
02 March 2018 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decisions for TenneT offshore 1 and 9
C(2018)1435; 139-2018-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
12 April 2018 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for Diamond Partners BBE Limited OFTO
C(2018)2266; 140-2018-UK
Opinion: English version
25 July 2018 - Commission's Opinion on PUC's draft certification decision for JSC Conexus Baltic Grid
C(2018)5060; 141-2018-LV
Opinion: English version, Latvian version
07 August 2018 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for TC Dudgeon OFTO plc
C(2018)5453; 142-2018-UK
Opinion: English version
25 September 2018 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for National Grid Electricity System Operator Limited
C(2018)6306; 143-2018-UK
Opinion: English version
01 October 2018 - Commission's Opinion on ARERA's draft certification decision for ITG S.p.A.
C(2018)6454; 144-2018-IT
Opinion: English version, Italian version
08 October 2018 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for National Grid Electricity System Operator Limited
C(2018)6667; 145-2018-UK
Opinion: English version
11 October 2018 - Commission's Opinion on ACM's draft certification decision for TenneT
C(2018)6785; 146-2018-NL
Opinion: English version
24 October 2018 - Commission's Opinion on RAE's draft certification decision for DESFA
C(2018)7147; 147-2018-GR
Opinion: English version
11 December 2018 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's and CRE's draft certification decisions for Eleclink
C(2018)8670; 148-2018-UK, 149-2018-FR
Opinion: English version, French version
Opinions from 2015 and 2016
06 January 2015 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for Gwynt y Môr
C(2015)40; 0104-2015-UK
Opinion: English version
17 February 2015 - Commission's Opinion on HEPUA 's draft certification decision for MGT (Magyar Gaz Tranzit)
C(2015)1046; 105-2014-HU
Opinion: English version, Hungarian version
05 March 2015 - Commission's Opinion on e-Control's draft certification decision for Valcanale
(2015)1547; 106-2015-AT
Opinion: English version, German version
09 March 2015 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for WoDs
C(2015)1614; 107-2015-UK
Opinion: English version
19 March 2015 - Commission's Opinion on URE 's draft certification decision for Gaz-System S.A. (Yamal) (ISO)
C(2015)2008; 108-2015-PL
Opinion: English version, Polish version
23/ March 015 - Commission's Opinion on NCC 's draft certification decision for AB Amber Grid
C(2015)2135; 109-2015-LT
Opinion: English version, Lithuanian version
22 April 2015 - Commission's Opinion on EWRC 's draft certification decision for Bulgartransgaz EAD
C(2015)2754; 110-2015-BG
Opinion: English version, Bulgarian version
03 June 2015 - Commission's Opinion on EWRC 's draft certification decision for ESO EAD
C(2015)3858; 111-2015-BG
Opinion: English version, Bulgarian version
24 June 2015 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's 's draft certification decision for TenneT
C(2015)4448; 112-2015-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
05 August 2015 - Commission's Opinion on e-Control's draft certification decision for TAG
C(2015)5643; 113-2015-AT
Opinion: English version, German version
20 August 2015 - Commission's Opinion on CREG and Ofgem's 's draft certification decisions for I(UK)
C(2015)5952; 114-2015-BE, 116-2015-UK
Opinion: English version, French version
03 September 015 - Commission's Opinion on draft certification decision for Kraftnät Åland Ab (Finland - Åland)
C(2015)6197; 115-2015-FI
Opinion: English version, Swedish version
12 October 2015 - Commission's Opinion on ANRE's draft certification decision for Transelectrica
C(2015)7053; 117-2015-RO
Opinion: English version, Romanian version
16 December 2015 - Commission's Opinion on HERA's draft certification decision for HOPS
C(2015)9559; 118-2015-HR
Opinion: English version, Croatian version
06 January 2016 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for Blue Transmission OFTOs
C(2016)27; 119-2015-UK
Opinion: English version
18 January 2016 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's 's draft certification decision for TenneT Offshore
C(2016)213; 120-2015-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
29/ January 2016 - Commission's Opinion on CER's draft certification decision for GNI
C(2016)655; 121-2015-IE
Opinion: English version
28 January 2016 - Commission's Opinion on AEEGSI's and RAE's draft certification decisions for TAP AG
C(2016)538; 122-2015-IT, 123-2015-GR
Opinion: English version
02 February 2016 - Commission's Opinion on NIAUR's and Ofgem's draft certification decisions for GNI
C(2016)701; 124-2015-UK (NI), 125-2015-UK
Opinion: English version
15 February 2016 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for WMR
C(2016)975; 126-2015-UK
Opinion: English version
31 May 2016 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for HG OFTO
C(2016)3373; 127-2016-UK
Opinion: English version
22 June 2016 - Commission's Opinion on ACM's draft certification decision for TenneT
C(2016)3987; 128-2016-NL
Opinion: English version
02 December 2016 - Commission's Opinion on ECA's draft certification decision for Elering
C(2016)8255; 129-2016-EE
Opinion: English version, Estonian version
Opinions from 2013 and 2014
21 January 2013 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for Lincs
C(2013)281; 046-2012-UK
Opinion: English version
23 January 2013 - Commission's Opinion on AEEG's draft certification decision for SGI
C(2013)380; 047-2012-IT
Opinion: English version, Italian version
30 January 2013 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for Thyssengas
C(2013)570; 048-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
04 February 2013 - Commission's Opinion on e-Control's draft certification decision for TAG
C(2013)649; 049-2012-AT
Opinion: English version, German version
11 February 2013 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for TransnetBW
C(2013)811; 050-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
11 February 2013 - Commission's Opinion on CNE's draft certification decision for Reganosa
C(2013)809; 051-2012-ES
Opinion: English version, Spanish version
11 February 2013 - Commission's Opinion on AEEG's draft certification decision for Terna
C(2013)810; 052-2012-IT
Opinion: English version, Italian version
15 February 2013 - Commission's Opinion on e-Control's draft certification decision for BOG
C(2013)963; 053-2012-AT
Opinion: English version, German version
15 February 2013 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for Walney 1
C(2013)979; 054-2013-UK
Opinion: English version
11 March 2013 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's and Nma'a draft certification decisions for BBL
C(2013)1526; 055-2013-UK, 056-2013-NL
Opinion: English version, Dutch version
26 March 2013 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for I(UK)
C(2013)1872; 057-2013-UK
Opinion: English version
05 April 2013 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for Walney 2, Sheringham and London Array
C(2013)2030; 058-2013-UK
Opinion: English version
12 April 2013 - Commission's Opinion on NIAUR's draft certification decision for SONI / NIE
C(2013)2170; 059-2013-UK
Opinion: English version
12 April 2013 - Commission's Opinion on CER's draft certification decision for Eirgrid / ESB
C(2013)2169; 060-2013-IE
Opinion: English version
26 April 2013 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for Thanet
C(2013)2566; 061-2013-UK
Opinion: English version
15 May 2013 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for BritNed
C(2013)2914; 062-2013-UK
Opinion: English version
16 May 2013 - Commission's Opinion on CREG's draft certification decision for I(UK)
C(2013)2950; 063-2013-BE
Opinion: English version, French version
23 May 2013 - Commission's Opinion on CRE's draft certification decision for BGE
C(2013)3117; 064-2013-IE
Opinion: English version
23 May 2013 - Commission's Opinion on NIAUR's draft certification decision for PTL and BGTL
C(2013)3145; 065-2013-UK, 066-2013-UK
Opinion: English version
10 June 2013 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for GG – Greater Gabbard
C(2013)3705; 067-2013-UK
Opinion: English version
01 July 2013 - Commission's Opinion on Nma's draft certification decision for TenneT
C(2013)4206; 068-2013-NL
Opinion: English version, Dutch version
01 July 2013 - Commission's Opinion on Nma's draft certification decision for GTS
C(2013)4205; 069-2013-NL
Opinion: English version, Dutch version
04 July 2013 - Commission's Opinion on NCC's draft certification decision for Litgrid
C(2013)4247; 071-2013-LT
Opinion: English version, Lithuanian version
08 July 2013 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's and NIAUR's draft certification decisions for Moyle Interconnector
C(2013)4398; 070-2013-UK (NI), 072-2013-UK
Opinion: English version
16 July 2013 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decision for PTL
C(2013)4657; 073-2013-UK
Opinion: English version
09 August 2013 - Commission's Opinion on URSO's draft certification decision for SEPS
C(2013)5376; 074-2013-SK
Opinion: English version, Slovak version
14 August 2013 - Commission's Opinion on AEEG's draft certification decision for ITG
C(2013)5400; 075-2013-IT
Opinion: English version, Italian version
23 August 2013 - Commission's Opinion on URSO's draft certification decision for Eustream
C(2013)5580; 076-2013-SK
Opinion: English version, Slovak version
29 August 2013 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's 's draft certification decision for TenneT offshore
C(2013)5631; 077-2013-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
13 September 2013 - Commission's Opinion on AEEG's 's draft certification decision for Snam Rete Gas
C(2013)5961; 078-2013-IT
Opinion: English version, Italian version
18 September 2013 - Commission's Opinion on CNE's 's draft certification decision for Enagas (Saggas)
C(2013)6165; 079-2013-ES
Opinion: English version, Spanish version
30 September 2013 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's 's draft certification decision for Open Grid Europe
C(2013)6444; 080-2013-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
30 September 2013 - Commission's Opinion on CNE's 's draft certification decision for Enagas (ETN)
C(2013)6448; 081-2013-ES
Opinion: English version, Spanish version
14 October 2013 - Commission's Opinion on ANRE's 's draft certification decision for Transelectrica
C(2013)6891; 082-2013-RO
Opinion: English version, Romanian version
18 October 2013 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's 's draft certification decisions for NEL, Gasunie Ostsee and Fluxys
C(2013)7019; 083-2013-DE, 084-2013-DE, 085-2013-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
24 October 2013 - Commission's Opinion on ECA's 's draft certification decision for Elering
C(2013)7188; 086-2013-EE
Opinion: English version, Estonian version
25 November 2013 - Commission's Opinion on ANRE's 's draft certification decision for Transgaz
C(2013)8485; 088-2013-RO
Opinion: English version, Romanian version
19 December 2013 - Commission's Opinion on CNMC's 's draft certification decision for Reganosa
C(2013)9689; 089-2013-ES
Opinion: English version, Spanish version
17 January 2014 - Commission's Opinion on EMV's draft certification decision for Fingrid Oyj
C(2014)329; 090-2013-FI
Opinion: English version, Finnish version
23 January 2014 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's 's draft certification decision for Baltic Cable AB
C(2014)424; 091-2013-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
04 February 2014 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's 's draft certification decision for Blue Transmission OFTO's
C(2014)679; 092-2013-UK
Opinion: English version
09 April 2014 - Commission's Opinion on URE 's draft certification decision for PSE S.A.
C(2014)2471; 093-2014-PL
Opinion: English version, Polish version
12 May 2014 - Commission's Opinion on ERSE's draft certification decision for REN and RENGasodutos
C(2014)3255; 094-2014-PT & 095-2014-PT
Opinion: English version, Portuguese version, Corrigendum version
14 May 2014 - Commission's Opinion on ACM's draft certification decision for BritNed
C(2014)3295; 096-2014-NL
Opinion: English version, Dutch version
04 June 2014 - Commission's Opinion on CRE's draft certification decision for TIGF
C(2014)3837; 097-2014-FR
Opinion: English version, French version
16 June 2014 - Commission's Opinion on eControl's draft certification decision for TAG
C(2014)4094; 098-2014-AT
Opinion: English version, German version
16 June 2014 - Commission's Opinion on eControl's draft certification decision for Gas Connect
C(2014)4092; 099-2014-AT
Opinion: English version, German version
25 July 2014 - Commission's Opinion on URE 's draft certification decision for Gaz-System S.A. (OU)
C(2014)5457; 100-2014-PL
Opinion: English version, Polish version
17 October 2014 - Commission's Opinion on RAE's draft certification decision for DESFA
101-2014-GR
Opinion: English version
09 September 2014 - Commission's Opinion on URE 's draft certification decision for Gaz-System S.A. (Yamal) (ISO)
C(2014)6463; 102-2014-PL
Opinion: English version, Polish version
17 December 2014 - Commission's Opinion on AGEN 's draft certification decision for ELES
C(2014)9865; 103-2014-SI
Opinion: English version, Slovenian version
Opinions from 2011 and 2012
25 November 2011 - Commission's opinion on CRE's draft certification decision for RTE – C(2011) 8570; 001-2011-FR
Opinion: English version, French version
25 November 2011 - Commission's opinion on CRE's draft certification decision for TIGF – C(2011) 8572; 002- 2011-FR
Opinion: English version, French version
25 November 2011 - Commission's opinion on CRE's draft certification decision for GRTgaz – C(2011) 8569; 003-2011-FR
Opinion: English version, French version
06 December 2011 - Commission's opinion on HEO's draft certification decision for FGSZ– C(2011) 8984; 004-2011-HU
Opinion: English version, Hungarian version
13 December 2011 - Commission's opinion on HEO's draft certification decision for MAVIR– C(2011) 9442; 005-2011-HU
Opinion: English version, Hungarian version
09 January 2012 - Commission's Opinion on DERA's draft certification decision for Energinet (gas) – C(2012) 88; 006-2011-DK
Opinion: English version, Danish version
09/ January 2012 - Commission's Opinion on DERA's draft certification decision for Energinet (electricity) – C(2012) 87; 007-2011-DK
Opinion: English version, Danish version
19 January 2012 - Commission's Opinion on e-Control's draft certification decision for APG (electricity) – C(2012)220; 008-2011-AT
Opinion: English version, German version
29 March 2012 - Commission's Opinion on e-Control's draft certification decision for VÜN (electricity) C(2012)2244: 009-2012-AT
Opinion: English version, German version
19 April 2012 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decisions for National Grids (Certification of National Grid Electricity Transmission plc, National Grid Gas plc and National Grid Interconnectors Limited) -
C(2012)2735; 010-2012-UK, 011-2012-UK, 012-2012-UK
Opinion: English version
27 April 2012 - Commission's Opinion on Ofgem's draft certification decisions for OFTOs (TC Robin Rigg OFTO Limited, TC Gunfleet Sands OFTO Limited, TC Barrow OFTO Limited and TC Ormonde OFTO Limited
C(2012)3006; 013-2012-UK, 014-2012-UK, 015-2012-UK, 016-2012-UK
Opinion: English version
30 April 2012 - Commission's Opinion on Energy Markets Inspectorate on the certification decision of Affärsverket svenska kraftnät
C(2012)3011; 017-2012-SE
Opinion: English version, Swedish version
30 April 2012 - Commission's Opinion on Energy Markets Inspectorate on the certification decision of Swedegas AB
C(2012)3009; 018-2012-SE
Opinion: English version, Swedish version
14 May 2012 - Commission's Decision on Ofgem's draft certification decisions for TSOs in Scotland
(SHETL and SPTL)
C(2012)3284; 019-2012-UK, 020-2012-UK
Decision: English version
24 May 2012 - Commission's Opinion on CNE's draft certification decision for REE (electricity)
C(2012)3526; 021-2012-ES
Opinion: English version, Spanish version
01 June 2012 - Commission's Opinion on e-Control's draft certification decision for Gas Connect
C(2012)3734; 022-2012-AT
Opinion: English version, German version
13 June 2012 - Commission's Opinion on AGEN's draft certification decision for Plinovodi
C(2012)4117; 023-2012-SI
Opinion: English version, Slovenian version
15 June 2012 - Commission's Opinion on CNE's draft certification decision for ENAGAS
C(2012)4171; 024-2012-ES
Opinion: English version, Spanish version
01 August 2012 - Commission's Opinion on AEEG's draft certification decision for Snam Rete Gas
C(2012)5333; 025-2012-IT
Opinion: English version, Italian version
10 August 2012 - Commission's Opinion on CREG's draft certification decision for Fluxys Belgium
C(2012)5751; 026-2012-BE
Opinion: English version, French version
06 September 2012 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for 50 Hertz
C(2012)6260; 027-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
06 September 2012 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for Amprion
C(2012)6254; 028-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
06 September 2012 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for TenneT
C(2012)6258; 029-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
06 September 2012 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for Bayernets
C(2012)6261; 030-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
06/ September 2012 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for Fluxys
C(2012)6253; 031-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
06/ September 2012 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for GRTGaz
C(2012)6257; 032-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
06 September 2012 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for jordgas
C(2012)6255; 033-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
06 September 2012 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for Nowega
C(2012)6256; 034-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
06 September 2012 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for Terranets
C(2012)6259; 035-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
04 October 2012 - Commission's Opinion on ERO's draft certification decision for CEPS
C(2012)7059; 036-2012-CZ
Opinion: English version, Czech version
05 October 2012 - Commission's Opinion on RAE's draft certification decision for ADMIE
C(2012)7068; 037-2012-GR
Opinion: English version, Greek version
08 October 2012 - Commission's Opinion on CREG's draft certification decision for Elia
C(2012)7142; 038-2012-BE
Opinion: English version, Dutch version
30 November 2012 - Commission's Opinion on ERO's draft certification decision for NET4GAS
C(2012)8867; 039-2012-CZ
Opinion: English version, Czech version
03 December 2012 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for GASCADE
C(2012)9106; 040-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
03 December 2012 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for GTG Nord
C(2012)9104; 041-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
03 December 2012 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for Ontras
C(2012)9107; 042-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
03 December 2012 - Commission's Opinion on BnetzA's draft certification decision for Gasunie Transport
C(2012)9102; 043-2012-DE
Opinion: English version, German version
03 December 2012 - Commission's Opinion on PUC's draft certification decision for Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST)
C(2012)9108; 044-2012-LV
Opinion: English version, Latvian version
11 December 2012 - Commission's Opinion on e-Control's draft certification decision for NABUCCO
C(2012)9575; 045-2012-AT
Opinion: English version, German version
Opinion from 2026
09 June 2026 - Commission opinion on the updated draft statutory documents of the EU DSO entity
Opinion: English version, German version, French version
Opinion from 2025
Opinion from 2023
29 June 2023 - Commission opinion on the statutory documents of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E)
C(2023)4457
Opinion: English version
Opinion from 2020
25 November 2020 - Commission opinion on the statutory documents on the establishment of the EU DSO Entity
C(2020)8067
Opinion: English version, German version, French version
Opinion from 2014
09 April 2014 - Commission opinion on the proposed amendments to the articles of association of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG)
C(2014)2293
Opinion: English version
Opinion from 2011
11 August 2011 - Commission opinion on the members, rules of procedure and articles of association of the European Networks for Transmission System Operators
C(2011)5714
Opinion: English version, German version, French version
Independent regulators
A competitive internal energy market cannot exist without independent regulators who ensure the application of the rules. The requirements for national regulators have undergone several changes, specifically
- regulators must be independent of both industry interests and the government. They must be their own legal entity and have authority over their own budget. National governments must also supply them with sufficient resources to carry out their operations
- regulators can issue binding decisions to companies and impose penalties on those that do not comply with their legal obligations
- electricity generators, gas network operators, and energy suppliers are required to provide accurate data to regulators
- regulators from different EU countries must cooperate with each other to promote competition, the opening up of the market, and an efficient and secure energy network system
Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators
In order to help the different national regulators, cooperate and ensure the smooth functioning of the internal energy market, the EU established on 2011 the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER). It is independent of the Commission, national governments, and energy companies. ACER's work involves
- drafting guidelines for the operation of cross-border gas pipelines and electricity networks
- reviewing the implementation of EU-wide network development plans
- deciding on cross-border issues if national regulators cannot agree or if they ask it to intervene
- monitoring the functioning of the internal market including retail prices, network access for electricity produced from renewables, and consumer rights
Cross-border cooperation
National transmission system operators are responsible for ensuring electricity and natural gas is effectively transported through pipelines and grids.
Due to the cross-border nature of Europe's energy market, they must work together to ensure the optimal management of EU networks, which is done through
- the European Network for Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E)
- the European Network for Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG)
These organisations develop standards and draft network codes to adjust the flow of electricity and gas across different transmission systems. They also coordinate the planning of network investments and monitor the development of new transmission capabilities. This includes publishing Europe-wide 10-year investment plans for electricity and gas to help identify investment gaps.
Documents
- Delivering the internal electricity market and making the most of public intervention (COM/2013/7243)
- Ownership unbundling: assessing conflicts of interests (SWD/2013/177)
- Certification of Transmission System Operators of networks for electricity and natural gas in the EU (SEC/2011/1095)
- Possibility of neighbouring countries and their Transmission System Operators to participate in ACER and in the ENTSOs (SEC/2011/546)
- Interpretative note on unbundling in the electricity directive and the natural gas directive (2010)
- Interpretative note on third-party access to storage facilities (2010)
- Interpretative note on regulatory authorities in the electricity directive and the natural gas directive (2010)
- Interpretative note on the retail market in the electricity directive and the natural gas directive (2010)
- Conditions for access to the network for cross-border exchanges in electricity (SEC/2009/642)