The Europex General Assembly held its annual meeting in Antalya, Türkiye, hosted by the Energy Exchange Istanbul (EXIST/EPİAŞ), and commemorated twenty years since the formal foundation of Europex on 12 April 2002. The General Assembly was honoured to welcome the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Fatih Dönmez, and the Deputy Minister for Energy and Natural Resources the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Dr. Alparslan Bayraktar, to speak on the development of the Turkish energy market and highlight the potential for further growth and cooperation between Türkiye and the EU. The anniversary event was also marked by addresses from several alumni, including Bert den Ouden, the first elected Chairman of the Association, as well as former Chairmen Salvatore Zecchini and Damjan Stanek, former members of the Board Ireneusz Łazor, Mikael Lundin and Karol Peršolja as well as former Working Group Head Andrew Claxton.
At the regular meeting of the General Assembly, members discussed high energy prices and the regulatory impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on European energy markets. Regarding regulatory intervention, members expressed concern over the potentially market distortive nature of certain suggested measures and voiced support for an open dialogue in consultation with the entire energy sector to ensure that solutions are thoroughly considered and avoid damaging the Internal Energy Market and its proven benefits.
Pieter Schuurs, Chairman of Europex, commented: “We are truly delighted to be able to celebrate 20 years of Europex. As a common Association of European energy exchanges and delegated operators, Europex has been central to many positive developments and innovative changes in Europe, including market coupling. In addition, we have strongly contributed to increasing market transparency and integrity and helped to leverage the positive effects of well-integrated, interconnected and efficient electricity and gas markets in Europe. Europex’ ambition for the future is to ensure that net-zero by 2050 will be achieved based on market mechanisms and at least cost for the European consumer.”
