New Challenges in Times of Crisis: The State in a Liberalised Energy Market

Abstract

The European Union's goal of liberalising the energy sector and creating an integrated energy market has been in the making for almost three decades.  There are significant differences between EU Member States, so achieving an integrated energy market must involve eliminating differences between Member States, establishing common rules and competition between companies at European level, harmonising prices and setting and achieving common environmental targets. However, the Member States will continue to play an important role in shaping energy policy, and the question is whether they will be able to play a private role in the context of the crisis, alongside their public role.