IP/09/582

Brussels, 14 April 2009

Security of electricity supply directive: Commission refers Czech Republic and Poland to the Court

The Commission decided today to bring the Czech Republic and Poland before the European Court of Justice as it considers that these Member States have only partially implemented this directive. The Commission considers that the guarantee of high level of security of electricity supply is a key objective for the successful operation of the European internal energy market.

In November 2008, the Commission issued a reasoned opinion to several Member States for not communicating the provisions implementing the Directive 2005/89/EC on measures to safeguard security of electricity supply and infrastructure investment^[1].

The Czech Republic is preparing a new law transposing the directive which has to be adopted by the Czech Senate. The Commission will examine the law as soon as it is adopted. Should the communication prove to be complete, the Commission will take the appropriate action

^[1] Directive 2005/89/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 January 2006 concerning measures to safeguard security of electricity supply and infrastructure investment, O.J. L33 of 4.02.2006