Development of EU (European Union) energy market agenda and security of supply

The paper critically discusses the reform of the energy sector in the European Union from the beginnings of the liberalisation processes in 1996 until present. Through EU energy policies and relevant legislation the goals to achieve are sustainable development, security of supply and competitiveness, together with focussing on the needs of customers. The paper analyses all three above-mentioned pillars and customer protection requirements from the viewpoint: customers should have high quality energy delivered at affordable prices. We call for competitiveness to be further underlined by the market. Despite some concerns related to market models, with the latest impetus from the European institutions the market will, and is able to, develop and to integrate also renewable sources. Where the market does not deliver sufficiently, regulators have to ensure customer protection, especially for vulnerable customers in a period of increasing prices. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.