Internal market in natural gas. Third energy package

At its Plenary Session of 22 April 2009, the European Parliament adopted a compromise package which had been agreed with the Council in view of reaching a second reading agreement.

These amendments concern essentially:

• the limited strengthening of some rules ensuring effective unbundling of transmission system operator;
• reinforced independence and powers of national regulators;
• provisions creating stronger obligations for Member States as regards consumer protection, energy poverty and the implementation of smart metering.

The Commission accepts the compromise package as it is in line with the overall purpose and the general characteristics of the proposal.