Reviewing the EU rules on trans-European energy infrastructure

The Commission has today launched a public consultation on the review of the EU rules on trans-European energy infrastructure. This will be accompanied by a more targeted consultation for stakeholders. Responses to these surveys will feed into the Commission’s deliberations on revising the Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure – known as the "TEN-E Regulation" - outlined as an important initiative as part of the European Green Deal.

With a view to making EU energy infrastructure fully consitent with and drive the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality ambition, the Commission has confirmed the intention to publish a legislative proposal to adapt the TEN-E regulation before the end of 2020. As an important part of the process, the public consultation (available in all EU languages) opened today is aimed at gathering views and input on the concepts from citizens and a broad range of stakeholders, ranging from national, regional and local authorities to businesses, unions, civil society organisations, education organisations, consumer groups, research and innovation organisations. The consultation will be open for 8 weeks.

In parallel, a more technical targeted consultation aims to gather input from stakeholders with specialist knowledge and who are familiar with the different aspects of the existing Regulation. This is also launched today and will run for 8 weeks.  

To ensure a broader and more inter-active consultation, the Commission is also organising 4 stakeholder webinars to discuss key elements of the ongoing review process of the TEN-E Regulation and allow for contributions from and exchanges with interested parties. 

The Commission previously published an inception impact assessment, summarising the key elements in the review process and launched a 4-week public feedback consultation on this document.

Background

The TEN-E Regulation currently in force lays down rules for the timely development and interoperability of cross-border energy infrastructure [TEN-E] networks in order to achieve the EU’s energy policy objectives. Its key objective is the timely implementation of the projects of common interest (known as “PCIs”) which interconnect the energy markets across Europe. Interconnected energy markets allow for better integration of renewable energy sources, better security of supply and higher competition within markets that keeps prices in check. The TEN-E Regulation sets out criteria for establishing the PCIs necessary to implement priority corridors and areas in the categories of electricity, gas, oil, smart grids, and carbon dioxide networks.

Public consultation: Trans-European energy infrastructure - revision of guidelines

Deadline: 13 July 2020

More information on Trans-European networks for energy

Social media: #TENErevision