In general, it is the responsibility of Member States to ensure that consumer rights are effectively realised in practice by transposing and implementing EU legislation. This includes energy related legislation, including the revised Electricity Market Directive, together with the consumer protection regime. The existing EU legislative framework already provides comprehensive foundation for protecting consumers in energy markets. It sets clear obligations, rights, and structures that, if properly implemented, are sufficient to ensure a high level of consumer protection across Member States.
Further support has been provided through the Citizens’ Energy Package, which offers additional guidance and practical ideas for national authorities and to stakeholders. This reinforces the view that the challenge is not the absence of regulation, but rather the effective and consistent implementation of the rules already in place.
From the perspective of stakeholders, including the Finnish energy sector, the key message is clear: current legislation is largely adequate. As highlighted in the Finnish Energy position on the Digital Fitness Check, the existing regulatory framework already enables innovation, consumer empowerment, and market development. Introducing additional layers of EU-level regulation risks creating unnecessary complexity, increasing administrative burden, and potentially slowing down digitalisation and customer-oriented innovation in energy services.
At this stage, priority actions should therefore primarily take place at the national level rather than through new EU legislation. Strengthening enforcement, improving transparency, and ensuring that consumers are aware of their rights are more pressing priorities than introducing new rules.
Finnish Energy
Emmi Korkearanta
Legal Counsel
Markets and customers
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