Commission must stand firm on its energy proposals

Sir, As members of Business for New Europe, we welcome the European Commission’s proposals on energy. It is proof of the European Union’s indispensability in meeting some of our global challenges, particularly on competitiveness and the environment.

The Commission must continue to stay firm to its beliefs in order that those vested interests who would like to do so do not push them off course.

By helping to deliver more competition and security of supply, the proposals will also benefit UK consumers. The policy of ownership unbundling, separating energy production from transmission, and transparency throughout Europe's energy markets would help create a more level playing field for companies seeking to source and transport gas around the EU.

The draft Reform Treaty can also help to promote energy liberalisation by moving this to majority voting. In an EU of 27 member states, this will be a way of circumventing cases of protectionism.

Roland Rudd
Roger Carr
John Parker