The Commission decides Spanish electricity and gas regulator's powers to be contrary to EC law

The Commission decided to refer Spain to the European Court of Justice ("ECJ")because it considers that certain provisions of Spanish legislation that extendsthe powers of the Comisión Nacional de Energía (CNE), the Spanish electricityand gas regulator, constitute unjustified restrictions on the free movement ofcapital and the right of establishment in violation of EC Treaty rules (Articles56 and 43 respectively). The Commission's decision concerns the Spanish RoyalDecree-Law 4/2006 of 24 February 2006, which amends the functions of theComisión Nacional de Energía, the Spanish electricity and gas regulator.