Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have put forward proposals to enhance the resilience and coordination of Europe’s electricity grids. The Industry, Research and Energy Committee adopted these proposals, which aim to modernize grid infrastructure to accommodate increasing renewable energy demands and support the EU’s energy objectives.
The MEPs call for an EU grid action plan, emphasizing significant investment and infrastructure upgrades to boost cross-border transmission capacity. They stress the need for better integration of national energy infrastructures and highlight that substantial investments are necessary to modernize infrastructure at both cross-border and national levels.
The report advocates for clearer rules to attract private investment alongside public funding. It emphasizes addressing grid bottlenecks and preventing curtailment of renewable energy due to capacity limits. MEPs also underline the importance of coordinated pan-European electricity system planning, urging more cross-border interconnections and effective communication with citizens for successful project implementation.
Anna Sturgkh, lead MEP from Austria’s Renew party, commented on a recent blackout in the Iberian Peninsula: “The Iberian blackout was a painful demonstration of how vulnerable our grids remain. It was a reminder that Europe’s energy transition will fail unless we invest just as strategically in infrastructure as in renewables.” She added that the Commission must prioritize planning and coordination on grids and storage.
Sturgkh further stated, “We are sending a clear and strong signal to the Commission to keep a well-financed Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF-E) within the upcoming multi-annual budget proposal.”
The report received 52 votes in favor, nine against, with two abstentions. It is scheduled for a vote by the full House during the plenary session from June 16-19, 2025, in Strasbourg.
The recent blackout affecting parts of the Iberian Peninsula and France on April 28 underscored the need for enhanced EU grid resilience. The European Commission estimates €584 billion is required this decade for electricity grids, including cross-border interconnectors.
