The European Commission
Ofgem’s primary point of contact in Europe is the European Commission, the executive and administrative branch of the EU.
The Commission devises and drafts legislative proposals, in consultation with key stakeholders, governments and regulatory bodies such as Ofgem in each of the Member States.
The Commission’s main responsibilities include:
• developing legislative proposals to be presented to the Council of Ministers and European Parliament,
• managing and implementing EU policies (including energy liberalisation), and
• enforcing compliance with European law (including taking cases to the European Court of Justice).
The Commission is organised into Directorates General (DGs), which are each responsible for a particular policy area and are headed by a Director-General who is answerable to one of the Commissioners.
Ofgem liaises closely with DG Transport and Energy (Tren), through CEER/ERGEG and also on a bilateral basis, including on the development of future legislation. Ofgem also liaises with DG Competition (Comp) on key competition issues, including the recent Sector Inquiry.
The European Parliament
The European Parliament (EP) is directly elected by the citizens of the European Union.
The Parliament’s main responsibility in co-decision with the Council of Ministers is the consideration and passing of European legislation. The Parliament also approves the appointment of European Commissioners and has powers to dismiss the college of European Commissioners.
The Council of Ministers
The Council represents the Member States, and its meetings are attended by Ministers from national governments.
Actual representation will depend on the issues being discussed. The Transport, Telecoms and Energy Council is convened approximately every two months.
The Council’s main responsibilities include:
• passing European laws – jointly with the European Parliament in many policy areas,
• co-ordinating the broad economic policies of the Member States, and
• concluding international agreements between the EU and other countries or international organisations.
Further information on key European institutions can be obtained from
the Europa website - link opens in a new browser window.