Year:    2011

Author:    Ludwigs, Markus

Die Verwaltung, Vol. 44 (2011), Iss. 1 : pp. 41–74

Abstract

The paper provides a differentiated answer to the question whether European Union law requires the development of the German Federal Network Agency (FNA) towards an Independent (Regulatory) Agency based on the American model. On the one hand, such a “metamorphosis” is supported by the fact that EU law guarantees the regulatory freedom from political influence in the energy and telecom sectors. Furthermore there is – notwithstanding the FNA`s lack of rulemaking power – a clear impetus to strengthen the scopes for action of the national regulatory authorities (NRA). That is a fortiori the case since the ECJ`s questionable decision on New-Markets of 3 December 2009. Accordingly, in the telecommunications sector, a pre-structuring of the NRA`s discretion by the national legislature is ruled out in principle. On the other hand, in the Arcor decision of 24 April 2008 the court rightly emphasizes that it is a matter solely for the Member States to determine – among other matters – the detailed rules of judicial review. The relevant provisions of the EU directives do not address this question:they are limited to empowering the NRA by granting discretion for decisions in relation to the national legislator. Regarding the degree of judicial review, the Member States are in this context even competent to establish a review of expediency, as is the case in the energy sector. To sum up, European Union law points in the direction of reinforced independence and competence of the national regulators. But it does not stipulate the objective of an Independent Agency. In essence, this still falls within the competence of the Member States in accordance with their respective constitutions.