09.04.2026
The necessity of overcoming fragmentation in European energy markets and preparing Ukraine for full EU integration through systemic reforms was emphasized by Dr. Jan Haizmann, Partner at Correggio Consulting BV, during Energy Club’s “The Big Interview.” The expert also explained how the CorreggioNET platform helps companies navigate a complex regulatory environment and outlined key mistakes made by new players when entering EU markets.
— Dr. Haizmann, you have over 25 years of experience in energy trading law and have been a key figure in shaping European market rules. How did the idea to split your business into Correggio Consulting (classic advice) and CorreggioNET (IT platform) come about? What main market problem does CorreggioNET solve?
— European market rules for power and gas developed over a period of 20 years in three stages, in line with three “regulatory packages” issued by the European Union. In the 1990s, the European Commission embarked on the mission to create a “Single European Energy Market” — essentially a common space for trading energy from Portugal to Greece and from Scotland to Sicily. Given the importance of the European energy sector, this is one of the biggest efforts ever undertaken in any industry to allow for the free flow of energy across borders to stimulate competition. The rationale was that cross-border competition would lower energy prices and make European industry more competitive.
Correggio Consulting is a boutique consulting company that has supported clients through this entire process from day one. Thanks to our know-how, new companies could enter the market and compete with innovative products and services. For 20 years, we have supported them with market entry, contract negotiations, commercial strategy, and legal support.
CorreggioNET is a bespoke platform with standard information on wholesale energy market rules covering 34 European countries. It lives off the fragmentation that continues to exist in European markets and makes it easier for trading companies to manage risks arising from fragmented rules.
The idea for CorreggioNET was conceived in 2017 to systematize national reporting duties for energy traders. It provides international traders with a “one-stop-shop” for compliance. Today, it has evolved into a service for managing regulatory change across entire regions. Companies no longer need multiple advisers in different countries; they find everything in one place. All national reports are programmed into the system, and subscribers receive reminders about what to file, where, and in what form. This allows them to focus on their core business.
In 2025, we launched COLA, our smart online legal assistant for OTC agreements, which provides answers on the enforceability of EFET agreements. This is crucial because enforcement in Europe is fragmented, and insolvency laws often override contractual arrangements. We also introduced a sustainability hub and incorporated certificates of origin for 25 countries.
In 2026, CorreggioNET will launch FINREG, a financial regulation service to help companies understand obligations stemming from financial regulations on their trading business. This completes the picture of the complex regulatory environment in Europe today.
— You have worked in Brussels and London and now operate from Dubai. How does this international perspective help you see the “big picture” of energy markets? Where do you see Ukraine in this global landscape today?
— The energy market and infrastructure in Ukraine are currently undergoing a very difficult period. At the same time, the situation has accelerated integration into the EU and fostered cooperation between European and Ukrainian TSOs. After the conflict, Ukraine will have excellent opportunities if the government prepares for the post-conflict era now through necessary industry reforms that provide a secure investment climate, price transparency, and strong institutional governance.
— Many Energy Club members are expanding into neighboring markets like Slovakia, Poland, and Romania. Based on your experience, what are the top mistakes non-EU companies make when trying to enter the European market?
— New entrants must do their “homework” before entry. They should enquire about the requirements for entering a new EU market and learn the rules applicable to their business. At Correggio Consulting, we have three Ukrainian staff members ready to help with this process; we also provide training and business planning.
— CorreggioNET covers compliance in over 30 countries. If a Ukrainian company wants to obtain licenses in several jurisdictions simultaneously, how can your platform streamline this? Is it a knowledge base or an active monitoring tool?
— New players can apply for market licenses in various countries simultaneously. The CorreggioNET platform helps these entrants stay compliant once they are licensed, as the system reminds them of any obligations related to their license status. At Correggio, we have many years of experience with licensing; our success rate is 100%.
— You have a long history with the EFET Legal Committee. Ukrainian companies often find it challenging to negotiate these standard contracts. What is your advice: which clauses should they focus on to speed up the process?
— EFET contract negotiation is “a science” in itself. Correggio provides negotiation support through experienced professionals. In 2025, we launched COLA (Correggio Legal Online Assistant) to facilitate these negotiations considerably.
— Ukraine recently implemented REMIT, but in the EU, these rules have been strictly enforced for years. What nuances of European REMIT do new players often overlook?
— EU REMIT II is now a mature rule-set to secure market transparency and integrity. In Ukraine, REMIT I is still relatively new. While Ukraine needs REMIT more than other markets, its application is currently curtailed by the military conflict; the enemy should not be informed about grid curtailments going public. However, Ukraine should use this period to prepare for future cross-border markets. Only credible and transparent markets attract the urgent investment needed for new infrastructure. REMIT will help attract those investors.
In summary, successful integration into the European energy market requires not only a deep understanding of the rules but also a systemic approach to compliance, risk management, and contract work. For Ukraine, the key task today is forming a transparent and predictable market that can fully become part of the European energy space after victory.
Listen to the full conversation in audio format: The Big Interview Podcast with Dr. Jan Haizmann
