INDEPENDENCE IN ACTION: SHARING LESSONS ACROSS BORDERS (CEER Premises. Brussels, 27 de mayo de 2025)

Independence is a core principle underpinning the credibility and effectiveness of National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs). On 27 May, CEER hosted a full-day hybrid workshop that brought together high-level speakers and institutional representatives from across Europe and beyond to explore the evolution of NRA independence and how it can be safeguarded in practice.

This interactive event examined regulatory frameworks, highlighted real-world experiences, and encouraged participants to reflect on both threats to independence and strategies for reinforcing it.

The day opened with welcome remarks from the European Commission, followed by a "thought experiment" exploring potential threats to an NRA's independence. This set the stage for a deep dive into the historical and legal evolution of independence, with key contributions from CEER and the European Commission.

A high-level panel discussion featured representatives from BEREC, the OECD, MEDREG, and the ECRB Secretariat, who shared insights on challenges NRAs face and lessons from broader regulatory and institutional contexts.

In the afternoon, practical case studies were presented by NRA representatives from Sweden, Slovenia, and Belgium. Participants then engaged in an interactive session designed to foster peer exchange, live feedback, and open discussion via Slido.

The event concluded with closing reflections and a forward-looking perspective from CEER.

<b>PRESENTATIONS</b>

1. The Independence of Energy Regulators in the Mediterranean Region. Zitouni Lamine, Energy Expert, MEDREG Secretariat

2. 2023 Governance of Sector Regulators Survey: The Independence of Economic Regulators. Yola Thürer, Policy Analyst, OECD Regulatory Policy Division, Public Governance Directorate

3. NRA's independence: case - Belgium. Koen Locquet, President of the Board of Directors, CREG

4. Independence in action. Katharina Ledermann-Tappeiner, CEER.<br> Claire Hellich-Praquin, CEER.

5. Independence of NRAs in the Energy Community Contracting Parties. Energy Community Secretariat, Vienna, Austria