FSR and ACER strengthen their collaboration to advance EU energy policy and regulation
The European University Institute (EUI) and the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) signed a knowledge partnership agreement with the aim of informing the energy policy debate and advancing regulatory thinking in Europe, bridging research with policy-making.
Since 2010, ACER and the EUI’s Florence School of Regulation (FSR – Energy), hosted within the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies have been cooperating on a number of initiatives including policy events, training courses, and development of new research in the field of energy policy and regulation. In this context, ACER experts regularly participate in policy events and contribute to training courses organised by the FSR, bringing direct practical experience in European energy regulation.
“Energy Regulators, particular those based in Europe, are one of the FSR Energy and Climate’s most important stakeholders. The FSR aims at informing the regulatory debate in Europe through its research and policy events and, therefore, having an early insight on the forthcoming issues is essential to maintain its relevance. ACER is thus a key interlocutor.”
As the issues facing the energy sector are evolving and becoming more complex in order to achieve the ambitious energy and climate policy targets and accomplish the associated energy transition, the two organisations stand to benefit even more from close cooperation.
In light of the signing, the ACER Director, Christian Zinglersen said:
“The energy sector is changing rapidly. Only by adopting a multidisciplinary approach and by engaging with different stakeholders. ACER can stay abreast of the game and contribute to a smooth transition to a low carbon energy system. In this respect, the partnership with FSR Energy is key: it provides a high-quality platform for policy debate and research and allows our staff to access an excellent faculty of global regulatory experts.”
In the framework of the partnership, the following activities will be co-designed and delivered:
• FSR Training Courses offered to or involving ACER staff;
• Exchange of views on topics of mutual interest;
• Events on a variety of topics and with diverse formats, involving the partners and external stakeholders;
• Research activities on current energy topics; and
• Study visits to ACER for EUI scholars.
About FSR
Hosted at the European University Institute, the Florence School of Regulation – Energy & Climate was established in 2004 at the initiative of a number of national energy regulators. With its renowned faculty of over 300 energy experts worldwide, the FSR currently has a portfolio of about 30 modular courses and organises tailor-made courses to meet the specific needs of public institutions and private organisations.
About ACER
The EU Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) was established in March 2011 by the Third Energy Package legislation as an independent body to foster the integration and completion of the European Internal Energy Market for electricity and natural gas. By fostering cooperation among National Regulatory Authorities, ACER ensures that the integration of national energy markets and the implementation of legislation in the Member States are met according to the EU’s energy policy objectives and regulatory frameworks.
