Press Release

No.: 3/99
Date: 28.01.99

Government talks with the EU on the Gas Market Directive commence

-The Government aims at incorporating the gas market directive into the EEA Agreement subject to it rendering Norway the possibility to carry on a satisfactory resource management. Government control in relation to all phases of development and production of natural gas must be maintained. Thus, before deciding to incorporate the directive into the EEA Agreement, the Government will seek to clarify with the EU that we can continue a satisfactory resource management, says Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Marit Arnstad.

The EU gas market directive was finally adopted by the Council 22 June 1998 and entered into force on 10 August 1998. The directive shall be implemented in national legislation by 10 August 2000.

The purpose of the gas market directive is to create increased competition in the European natural gas market. The EFTA states have now been invited to incorporate the gas market directive into the EEA Agreement. According to the EEA Agreement, the aim is then to seek to implement the directive in their national legislation simultaneously with the EU Member States by 10 August 2000.

Contact:
Sissel Edvardsen, +47 22 24 61 09