One of the measures the European Commission decided upon, within the energy market reform decisions is that energy holdings will have to sell their energy distribution networks or transfer the control over it to independent operators.

EC hopes that these measure will contribute to an increase of investments in infrastructure, as well as allow new companies to gain easier access to the energy market.

EC believes that some of the companies controlling the energy production or its transport, meaning the owners of high-power grids and gas pipelines, do not allow any competition on the market.

The European Commission also asked the member states to allow the executive have a veto on allowing non-EU companies to buy high participations or even take control over European gas and electricity companies.

France and Germany oppose the project, claiming it will affect the strength of their national energy groups. Other state fear that this policy will open the door for non-EU investors to acquire new, smaller, companies on the European market.