Revision of the TEN-E Regulation: EU guidelines for new energy infrastructure

On 15 December 2020, the European Commission adopted a proposal to revise the 2013 regulation on trans-European networks in energy (TEN-E). The 2013 TEN-E Regulation sets out EU guidelines for cross-border energy infrastructure, and outlines the process for selecting projects of common interest (PCI). PCIs are infrastructure projects considered essential for delivering on EU objectives in the energy field, including improved interconnection between national markets, greater competitiveness, security of supply, and promotion of renewable energy sources. The list of PCIs is updated every two years. Certain PCI projects are eligible for EU financing from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The revised TEN-E Regulation would align closely with the climate neutrality objectives of the European Green Deal: supporting energy infrastructure that consolidates new and existing clean energy technologies, and ending policy and financial support for fossil fuel projects. The latter would no longer be included on PCI lists and would therefore be unable to receive CEF funding. In December 2021, Parliament and the Council reached provisional agreement on a text for the revised TEN-E Regulation. The agreed text was formally endorsed by both institutions, and published in the Official Journal of the EU on 3 June 2022. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.