GTE reaffirms its commitment towork towards ENTSOG at GIE Annual Conference 2007

November 26, 2007

On 22-23 November 2007 GIE held its Annual Conference in Madrid. This year’s Conference was hosted by Enagas and attracted a wide audience from the whole European gas sector, including various stakeholders, representatives of the European Commission and regulators.

Among the main topics of the Conference was the Third Energy Package published by the European Commission in September. GTE, the Transmission System Operators column in GIE, presented its views on the new proposals, with particular reference to the establishment of the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSOG) as a means of enhancing cooperation between transmission system operators.

Jacques Laurelut, GTE President, said: “The creation of the new body ENTSOG is of particular relevance for further fostering investment in infrastructure. ENTSOG will have to work with the Agency for Cooperation of European Regulators and the European Commission to ensure efficiency of the process. GTE reaffirms its commitment to work towards ENTSOG prior to the adoption of the Third Package by strengthening GTE as early as 2008.”

Jacques Laurelut has just been re-elected as GTE President during the GTE Plenary held on 21 November. By renewing this mandate, the GTE members confirmed their willingness and readiness to accelerate their mutual work in the areas proposed for ENTSOG. GTE members agreed also on the strengthening of its structure in the coming months with a view to establishing ENTSOG in the future.

Note to editors

Who is GIE?

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) is the association representing the interests of European gas infrastructure operators active in gas transmission, gas storage and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) regasification. GIE is a trusted partner of European institutions, regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders. It is based in Brussels, the heart of European policymaking. GIE currently represents 70 member companies from 26 countries. GIE’s vision is that by 2050, the gas infrastructure will be the backbone of the new innovative energy system, allowing European citizens to benefit from a secure, efficient and sustainable energy supply.