Energy rules harmonization in the Euro-Mediterranean area between external pressures for rules change and domestic institutional restraints: the case of independent regulatory agencies

The research has a double objective. Firstly, to investigate the degree of rules harmonization between the two shores of the Mediterranean Sea, one of the main objective pursued by the EU external action in the field of energy. Secondly, to analyze current developments of the regulatory framework and the role of regulatory agencies of Mediterranean countries with regards to electricity and renewables. In doing so, the thesis has been organized into an introductory chapter and three specific chapters focusing on EU rules promotion methods and the perception of EU action by Mediterranean regulators (chapter 2); the institutional endowment of southern Mediterranean countries (chapter 3); role and independence of regulatory agencies for the energy sector in Northern Africa and Middle East countries (chapter 4).