KICK-OFF MEETING OF WORKING GROUP DEVOTED TO TASK 3.1

In line with the approved work programme, activities of the Gas Platform will address some cross-cutting issues impacting gas developments in the Euro-Mediterranean region. One of those cross-cutting issues is the institutional and regulatory framework as defined in Task 3.1 in the Work Program below.

Task 3.1: Institutional and regulatory framework: The role of a suitable institutional and regulatory framework to promote favourable conditions and foster relevant investments to facilitate the gradual development of gas exchanges.

The study will address existing cross-border trade barriers and how to overcome them between countries fully in line with international law and promote the harmonisation/compatibility of rules and codes. It will identify any barriers and define the parameters for coherent investments and propose appropriate options and arrangements to provide a better framework for attracting public/private investment.

In order to discuss and fix the content of this task, define the activities, and also have a brainstorming on institutional and regulatory framework related matters, the UfM Gas Platform Secretariat is launching a dedicated Working Group. The kick-off meeting of the Working Group took place on 7 November 2018 at OME offices in Paris.

The meeting gathered around 20 delegates representing the ministries, institutions and industry from both shores of the Mediterranean. They all contributed to vibrant discussions (under the Chatham House Rule) and participated to the success of the event. The plan is to have a final draft report to be ready by mid-2019.