Market integration through network governance: the role of European agencies and networks of regulatorsPhD student: Mr M. Zinzani
Promotors: Mrs Prof E.I.L. Vos, R. Dehousse
Duration: 1/9/2007 - 31/8/2011
PhD defence: Maastricht, 15/11/2012
Abstract:
The institutional design of EU energy and telecoms regulation has evolved in the last two decades. Mechanisms to encourage cooperation between national regulators have progressively been established: first, loose networks of regulators, then enhanced networks of regulators and eventually stronger and more formal forms of coordination, through European agencies or other new institutional models. In the energy field, a true ‘networked’ European agency has been created: the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER). In telecoms, a two-tier institutional structure has been set up: the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) and the Office. The features of ACER and BEREC show the intention to institutionalise the existing networks of regulators and confer a higher status upon them, with a strengthened and recognised position in the EU. However, this process raises concerns of legitimacy and accountability.