Estonia to defy Europe on Eesti Energy?

TALLINN -- ESTONIA is prepared to challenge European rules on the liberalization of the energy market, according to statements made by Prime Minister Andrus Ansip in the Postimees daily newspaper.

The EU's so-called 'unbundling' proposals would make it impossible for any single state or company to hold a protected monopoly on both energy production and distribution

However, at a Nov. 1 press conference, Ansip told journalists he wants to keep Eesti Energy in complete control of the nation's energy assets.

Ansip said the EU would not be able to order to break-up of Eesti Energia, and outlined a scheme that nominally would hive off the Pohivork distribution network from its parent company but would remain under state control.

Such a move would make a mockery of unbundling by maintaining a state monopoly in everything but name.