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Timely, cost-efficient expansion and modernisation of the European energy infrastructure is one of the key challenges in the EU's ongoing energy transition. Grid development is needed to ensure energy supply security, increase the resilience of Europe's energy system and integrate the rapid roll-out of renewable energy sources. Cross border infrastructure plays a vital role in connecting national energy networks. Meeting the 2030 interconnection targets is particularly important for completing the ...

Expansion and modernisation of the energy infrastructure in Member States is one of the key challenges of the ongoing energy transition in the EU. The electricity grids need to develop in order to ensure the security of energy supply, increase the resilience of Europe's energy system, and integrate the rapid roll-out of renewable energy sources, particularly at the distribution level. Given the peristent challenges relating to permit-granting procedures and delays in grid connection approvals at ...

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the adoption, design, and impact of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Contracts for Difference (CfD) across the EU. It assesses current trends, market effects, and policy frameworks, and proposes actionable recommendations to resolve barriers to wider uptake. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Transformation, Innovation and Health at the request of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE).

In July 2023, the European Commission tabled a package of proposals aimed at greening freight transport. One of these proposals focuses on improving the use of rail infrastructure capacity. The proposed text suggests changes to the rules governing the planning and allocation of railway infrastructure capacity, which are currently outlined in Directive 2012/34/EU and Regulation (EU) No 913/2010. The goal of the changes is to enhance the management of rail infrastructure capacity and traffic so as ...

This briefing provides an overview of the link between energy security and the European defence industry. It examines the sector’s energy needs and risks, the operational and strategic opportunities offered by renewable energy and energy efficiency, and the role of strategic reserves and stockpiling in mitigating supply disruptions. Hybrid threats targeting energy infrastructure are also considered. Drawing on data, case studies, and expert insights, the report aims to shed light on progress, ongoing ...

As part of its proposals for the EU's long-term budget for the 2028-2034 period, the European Commission presented a proposal for a Council regulation establishing the Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation and Decommissioning (INSC-D). The proposed regulation merges the current external and internal instruments: 1) the European Instrument for International Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC), which targets EU nuclear and radiation safety cooperation with partner countries; and 2) the financial ...

In the 10 years since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the Parties to the agreement have achieved a lot of progress in response to climate change. A Loss and Damage Fund was established in 2022. Rules for international carbon trading have been established under Article 6 of the agreement. A new goal for climate finance was agreed in 2024. The COP30 climate conference in November 2025 adopted indicators for climate adaptation and agreed to triple adaptation finance. The first global stocktake ...

In January 2025, the European Commission announced it would present a European grids package as part of its competitiveness compass for the EU. The intention of building on the 2023 action plan for grids was reiterated in February 2025, in the Clean Industrial Deal and action plan for affordable energy; and most recently as part of the 2026 Commission work programme adopted in October 2025. The Commission is expected to present the grids package on 10 December 2025. Energy prices in the EU remain ...

At the Versailles Summit in March 2022, EU leaders committed to phasing out Europe's dependency on imported Russian natural gas, oil and coal. EU Member States ceased to import coal from Russia in August 2022, while imports of Russian crude oil dropped from 27 % in 2021 to 3 % of total EU crude oil imports in 2024. However, Russian natural gas still represents a substantial part of total EU gas consumption. The Commission proposed a 'Roadmap towards ending Russian energy imports' on 6 May 2025, aiming ...

The European Union's Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Directive aims to promote the sustainable development of the blue economy and to reduce conflicts between sectors. Fisheries plays a special role in MSP because it is a dynamic activity covering vast areas. However, the fisheries sector is under pressure from emerging blue economy sectors like offshore renewable energy. Safety concerns usually result in fisheries being excluded from offshore wind farms. Restrictions or bans on fishing gear may ...