Professor Carl Baudenbacher advised Icelandic government on European law implications of Third EU Energy Package

The Icelandic Parliament has on 2 September 2019 agreed to the adoption of the adapted Third EU Energy Package. The Icelandic government was advised by Professor Carl Baudenbacher (read here). Baudenbacher also gave oral evidence to the Foreign Committee of the Icelandic Parliament and answered questions on national TV (here).

The Third EU Energy Package, which is intended to open the EU’s gas and electricity markets and boost competition came into force in the EU in 2009.

Iceland’s parliament approved the package with 46 votes in favour and 13 against. The bill was opposed by a group of parliamentarians led by former Prime Minister Sigmundur Davið Gunnlaugsson.

Iceland is part of the European Economic Area (EEA), made up of the EU and its Member States and the three EFTA countries Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Iceland also belongs to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) which includes said EEA/EFTA countries and Switzerland. Iceland’s approval was needed for the package to come into effect in Iceland itself, Norway and Liechtenstein.