Subsidies in the single internal energy market

1.10.2013

Question for written answer P-011139-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Romana Jordan (PPE)

The EU’s single internal energy market is scheduled to come into operation in 2014. It should bring great benefits to consumers, industry and the economy in general, but in order for those benefits to be realised it is essential to ensure that the single internal market functions smoothly.

In the energy sector there are currently a large number of subsidies for renewable energy. We already know about the negative impact such subsidies have on the smooth functioning of the market, yet additional new subsidies are being announced for the future, which are often even contradictory. The UK, for example, has announced the introduction of financial support for nuclear energy, while France is preparing to introduce a tax on its nuclear power stations.

We are expecting the Commission shortly to publish new state aid guidelines for the environment and energy for the next seven years.

1. How does the Commission intend to ensure that subsidies in the energy sector will not impede the establishment of the single internal energy market?

2. How does the Commission intend to ensure that future subsidies do not distort the internal energy market?

3. Does the Commission believe that the Emissions Trading System (ETS) in the market should be the principal mechanism for decarbonisation?

4. How does the Commission intend to strengthen the ETS?

OJ C 208, 03/07/2014