The proposed update to the TEN-E regulation covers pipelines, cables and other infrastructure that carries energy across borders within the European Union. MEPs said stronger cross-border connections should help energy flow more freely across the continent and improve security of supply, the European Parliament said in a press release.
EU lawmakers have proposed changes to the TEN-E regulation to strengthen cross-border energy infrastructure, improve security of supply and support lower energy prices.
The update would give the European Commission a stronger planning role, identify gaps in electricity and hydrogen networks, streamline project approvals and prioritise digitalisation, resilience and net-zero technologies.
The changes would give the European Commission a stronger role in developing a common energy scenario so that infrastructure planning is based on shared and consistent data. New tools would also be introduced to identify gaps in electricity and hydrogen networks and direct investment towards areas where it is most needed.
The proposal would streamline authorisation procedures for key energy projects to reduce administrative delays. Before approving new physical infrastructure, authorities would also be required to consider whether existing networks could be optimised or whether digital and demand-side solutions could meet the identified need.
MEPs said expansion of grid infrastructure should support deeper integration of the EU energy market, including through improved price stability and resource adequacy. Greater market integration could help reduce energy prices for households and businesses, they said.
The proposed changes also emphasise the timely deployment and integration of net-zero technologies. MEPs expanded the list of infrastructure priorities to include equipment designed to protect and improve the resilience of critical network elements, monitoring and control systems, digitalisation equipment and projects supporting climate adaptation of energy infrastructure.
“Europe needs the right infrastructure in the right places, based on robust data and a clear assessment of what citizens and our economy actually need,” said lead MEP Tsvetelina Penkova.
She said the Commission would gain a stronger role in defining the strategic framework, while the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators would provide greater independent scrutiny.
Penkova added that the rules should also help reduce electricity price disparities among member states and regions, while improving security of supply and access to more affordable energy.
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