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5.3.5. POLITICAL
Political decisions also have an impact on the willingness to invest in long-term
assets, influencing market confidence (e. g. how to reach long-term environmen-
tal targets).
Political decisions need to be clear and consistent. Investment in gas infrastructure
is a long term financial commitment. Inconsistent or partially contradictory political
decisions can have a direct effect on whether the market feels confident to invest
or not. On the one hand the market is stimulated by initiatives like the Energy
Infrastructure Package which promotes the construction of Projects of Common
Interest. On the other hand the European Commission Roadmap 2050 envisages a
European energy mix in which the role of gas is severely diminished by 2050. In that
respect, ENTSOG has introduced a third scenario called Blue Transition that
highlights the role of natural gas and gas infrastructures in support of the European
energy agenda.
A stable and predictable regulatory framework is paramount to tackling the barriers
to investment in efficient gas infrastructure. TSOs are dedicated to facing the
challenges ahead, based on engagement and co-operation with policy makers. By
working together, based on a common view on a future environmentally and eco-
nomically sustainable, the Internal Energy Market can be completed to the benefit
of all European end consumers.