ABSTRACT
An enormous step forward for air pollution and climate change has been carried out by the EU over the last years in recognition of achieving international commitments as the Kyoto Protocol, securing energy demand and supply to Member States and guaranteeing oil and gas price stability to EU citizens and businesses. At present, the EU needs to invest almost a trillion Euros by 2020 in new infrastructures and the restructure of old plants in the energy sector. This will increase competitiveness for energy demand and secure the EU from increasing oil and gas imports to more than 70 per cent (with a corresponding price increase to final consumers) over the next 20 or 30 years. Competitiveness will be also strengthened by the establishment of an internal energy market which should enforce competition rules severely together with an efficient regulatory agenda.
