Given that fossil fuel resources are scarce at the Contracting Parties, the development of a regional market poses a great challenge. Only two of the seven Contracting Parties have relatively developed gas markets. The few gas pipelines that cross the Energy Community region are not interlinked and the related transit rights are almost entirely bound by long term import contracts. Due to the dependency on imported gas, the Contracting Parties have little access to the markets or facilities of their counterparts. Further, the regulatory framework needs to undergo in-depth reform process in order to achieve market liberalisation in national gas.
This was the point of departure. Thanks to early stage preparation within the auspices of the Athens process, substantial development steps have followed since. 2003 marked the integration of market of gas as part of the Athens process. After the entry into force of the Treaty establishing Energy Community, implementation of acquis on gas and electricity stand at the centre of attention.
CONTENT
The following pages describe key activities in relation to the gas market development. There firstly will be details on the structure and modus operandi of the road maps. Also the linkage to action plans on gas will be explained. Whilst the road maps sketch the steps ahead, the implementation reports take stock of the progress achieved and challenges ahead. The security of supply page defines the concept and describes the measures aiming to enhance security of supply on gas. The section concludes with a page describing the concept of generally applicable standards.
