On the 5th september it has been presented the main findings of IEA Review of the EU's Energy Policy. This is the first time that the IEA has made an in-depth analysis of European Energy Policy. The Review strongly endorses the broad outlines of the Commission's energy proposals tabled during the last year. 

The Review endorses the broad outline of the Commission's ambitious energy proposals tabled during the last year. It specifically praises the coherent EU energy and climate change approach and the Commission's market liberalisation package for electricity and gas. The Review encourages the Commission to pursue ownership unbundling of networks from supply and generation. It also makes important recommendations concerning the need to increase research funding and establish a more coherent external energy policy with a stronger role for the EU institutions.

The review comes at a critical time with the energy proposals currently under discussion between the European Commission, the EU Member States in the Council and the European Parliament.

The Commission will take into account the findings of the IEA review in its future work to further improve its energy policy. The Review should also become an important reference for those interested in European energy issues.

What is the IEA

The IEA  (International Energy Agency), based in Paris, is the world’s most important intergovernmental body dealing with the energy market, policy analysis and energy crisis management. The IEA’s activities include in-depth country studies of the energy policies of its member countries, as well as key non-member countries.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) acts as energy policy advisor to 27 member countries in their effort to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for their citizens. Founded during the oil crisis of 1973-74, the IEA’s initial role was to co-ordinate measures in times of oil supply emergencies. As energy markets have changed, so has the IEA. Its mandate has broadened to incorporate the “Three E’s” of balanced energy policy making: energy security, economic development and environmental protection. Current work focuses on climate change policies, market reform, energy technology collaboration and outreach to the rest of the world, especially major consumers and producers of energy like China, India, Russia and the OPEC countries.

With a staff of around 190, mainly energy experts and statisticians from its 27 member countries, the IEA conducts a broad programme of energy research, data compilation, publications and public dissemination of the latest energy policy analysis and recommendations on good practices.