A recent article published in the Scientific Bulletin of Uzhhorod National University: Series Law explores the dynamics of cooperation among national authorities overseeing wholesale energy markets in the European Union. Led by O. Zahnitko, a legal sciences candidate and senior lecturer at the National Technical University of Ukraine, the research emphasizes the importance of coordinated regulatory efforts to create a unified energy market across the EU-27.
The study highlights how national regulators—such as national competent authorities (NCA), national regulatory authorities (NRA), and sectoral market authorities (SMA)—often share oversight responsibilities. This collaboration is not merely a matter of concurrent jurisdiction; rather, it is characterized by a principle of cooperation that has become institutionalized through various agreements and codes. Zahnitko notes, “The national level appears to generate the ideas for the EU level and not vice versa,” indicating that insights and practices developed within individual member states can influence broader EU regulatory frameworks.
The article identifies common formats of cooperation among national authorities, including information exchange, resource pooling through task forces, and joint investigative units. These arrangements are often formalized as legislative rules, enhancing the effectiveness of regulatory oversight. In contrast, the cooperation at the EU level tends to rely on shorter memoranda of understanding, which may limit the depth of collaboration among member states.
This research is particularly timely given the recent decision by the European Council to open accession negotiations with Ukraine. Zahnitko discusses the potential for Ukraine’s regulatory framework, which involves multiple authorities overseeing competition, financial markets, and energy regulation, to align with EU standards. He states, “The research also lays prospects for how the Ukrainian government could fit in with its oversight mandate.”
For businesses operating in the energy sector, this study underscores the importance of understanding the regulatory landscape and the potential for increased inter-agency cooperation. As national regulators work more closely together, there may be opportunities for enhanced market stability and reduced risk of manipulation. This could lead to a more transparent and competitive wholesale energy market, benefiting both consumers and businesses.
The findings of this research contribute to a larger body of work examining the interplay between regulatory agencies and the evolution of energy markets in Europe. As Zahnitko’s publication is the third in a planned series, it sets the stage for future discussions on regulatory policy proposals aimed at improving domestic inter-agency cooperation in Ukraine and beyond. This focus on collaboration could pave the way for a more integrated and efficient energy market across Europe, ultimately driving commercial opportunities in the sector.
