Trends in electricity prices and their relation to the competitiveness and efficiency in EU countries

Abstract

Europe  is  emerging  from  a  deep  financial  and  economic  crisis and   it   is   widely   agreed   that   stronger   European   industrial competitiveness is  vital as  a driver for economic growth and job creation.   In   this   regard,   while   ensuring   the   achievement   of essential   climate   and   environmental   objectives,   it   is   now recognised that it is imperative to ensure that EU energy Union is shaped in such a way to guarantee, not only security of supply for all  consumers,  but  also  stable  and  affordable  energy  prices  for European businesses.

This  article  offers  the  opportunity  to  analyse, all  the  crucial  and sensitive   components   of   the   prices   of   energy   in   some   UE countries:   economic,   financial   and   technological   conditions required to develop renewable energy and other domestic energy resources  in  order  to  reduce  European  dependence  on  third-country  suppliers;  development  of  infrastructure  and  internal  as well   as   cross-border   interconnections;   overhaul   of   national practices  on  energy  levies,  tax  components  of  energy  prices  and network  costs;  moderation  of  energy  demand  and  increase  of energy efficiency.