The European Parliament has approved new proposals to modernise the EU’s electricity grid, improve cross-border integration, and speed up renewable energy deployment.
The report, adopted on 19 June, urges implementation of the European Commission’s Grid Action Plan and calls for clear investment rules, simpler permitting procedures and stronger coordination between countries and sectors.
MEPs said the EU must urgently expand and upgrade grid infrastructure to avoid renewable curtailment and reduce the risk of large-scale blackouts, such as the one that hit the Iberian Peninsula and parts of France in April.
Lead MEP Anna Sturgkh said: “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.
“Thanks to cross-border interconnectors, France was able to step in immediately. Now the Commission must act decisively to prioritise planning and coordination on grids and storage – or we will keep lurching from one crisis to the next.”
The resolution passed with 418 votes in favour, 112 against and 45 abstentions.
It also calls for better access to EU and member state funds, including a well-financed Connecting Europe Facility for Energy in the next multi-annual budget.
The European Commission is expected to publish a full Grids Package before the end of 2025, following initial guidance released on 2 June.
According to the Commission, Europe must invest €584bn in its electricity system by 2030 to meet climate targets, including upgrades to distribution networks and interconnectors.