Press Release: Commission urges Member States to speed up opening of electricity and gas markets

European legislation adopted in 2003 set 1 July 2004 as the date for full opening of the gas and electricity markets for all business consumers. From 1 July 2004 millions of businesses throughout the enlarged EU should have been able to benefit from competition for their energy supply. However the large majority of Member States are late in implementing this legislation and work still needs to be done to create a level playing field across the 25 Member States.