Commission Report 2002 (Romania)

Chapter 14: Energy

Little progress has been made with developing and implementing an Energy Strategy in line with EU energy policy objectives. The priority given to energy efficiency remains low and Romania does not devote the necessary resources to improve this situation. The reorganisation of energy conservation bodies planned in the Action Plan has not had any measurable results. Romania has made significant progress in establishing an internal energy market. Utilities have been unbundled, progressive opening of the market is on track, and the regulatory body's independence has been strengthened. No substantial progress has been made with establishing strict and transparent financial discipline in order to phase in a programme of cost recovery and reduction of arrears. An action plan for improving bill collection has been adopted but it is not strictly implemented, and the problem of arrears remains a burden for the whole sector. Some progress has been made with the oil stock acquis - a monitoring system has been adopted and a financing scheme for increasing oil stocks has been defined, but still needs to be implemented. Most recommendations in the Council Report on Nuclear Safety in the Context of Enlargement have already been addressed and work is continuing on the others. Further efforts are needed to strengthen the resources and capacities of the national regulatory authority for nuclear safety. Most measures in the Action Plan relating to nuclear issues are being implemented. Overall, the Accession Partnership priorities in the energy sector have been partially met. The implementation of measures under the Action Plan is slightly delayed.