The Interplay between the European Commission, Member States and Utilities in the Debate on Transmission Network Unbundling

Abstract

This work analyses the debate among the European Commission (EC), Member States (MS) and vertically integrated utilities (VIUs) on the introduction of ownership unbundling, suggesting three different interpretative keys: the “pure pro-market” model, the “capture by lobbies” model and the “struggle for geopolitical supremacy” model. Their consistency has been evaluated through the analysis of official documents, effective decisions, newspapers comments day-by-day. Conclusions point out that the EC declares economical goals but it seems pursuing political ones, while economic rationale better explains the arguments of opposing MS.

JEL Classification: L52, L94