The Role of Member Governments and Interest Groups

Abstract

How have the EU member governments responded to the idea of an internal energy market? In Chapter 2 we discussed the energy interests and policies of the major governments. In this chapter we will look at how these governments have acted in the EU policy-making process. We have chosen to emphasise the roles of four major governments, but will also include other states when relevant. All the governments have their own energy interests to protect, for example the exportation of nuclear-generated electricity is of great importance to France, whereas in Germany the coal sector is placing a constraint on the government.