Energy Community Outlines Gas Market Developments at 39th Madrid Forum

The 39th meeting of the European Gas Regulatory Forum took place in Madrid on 22 and 23 May 2025, organised by the Commission. The Energy Community Secretariat’s Director Mr. Artur Lorkowski presented key developments and remaining challenges across the region.

Mr. Lorkowski underlined steady progress in decarbonising the energy sector and improving the independence of network operators. While the transposition of network codes into national legislation is largely complete, full implementation remains a work in progress. He emphasised that further alignment and cooperation with EU Member States will be essential to closing these gaps.

“Opening the Trans-Balkan Pipeline for reverse flows is a key example of how diversification and regional integration can enhance energy security,” Mr. Lorkowski stated.

Energy security was in focus. In Ukraine, following severe attacks on gas production infrastructure, operations were swiftly restored, urgent imports were arranged, and supply to customers was maintained without interruption. Moldova achieved a breakthrough by certifying an independent system operator and advancing efforts to regain control over Gazprom-operated assets.

In both countries, gas exchanges are now operational. However, retail market development remains limited, with concentrated wholesale markets and low switching rates among consumers. A roadmap for gas market reform has already been adopted in Moldova, and similar reforms are expected in Ukraine.

The Secretariat also noted that the halt in gas transit via Ukraine had no negative effect on the EU’s supply. To support regional gas security, a shippers’ meeting with Ukraine storage operator will be coorganised on 10 June in Vienna.

Other topics discussed during the Forum included the Affordable Energy Action Plan, REMIT 2.0, the Hydrogen and Decarbonised Gas Markets Package, revisions to network codes for capacity and congestion management, gas quality standards, and the implementation of new cross-border tariff rules under the recast Gas Regulation.