Trade associations WindEurope, Solar Power Europe and Eurelectric have called on the European Commission and EU Member States to accelerate permitting of renewables projects to meet 2030 targets.
In a joint statement ahead of discussions with Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen this week, the groups urged the “full, timely and practical transposition” of Renewable Energy Directive (RED 3) permitting regulations.
The measures are “the right tools” for the job, but have not been properly implemented across EU countries, they added.
“Member States missed the June 2024 deadline for implementation, prompting infringement procedures from the Commission. One year later implementation is still not up to par.
“Instead of simplifying permitting, many governments have created new layers of complexity, delay and legal uncertainty. Reforms often remain theoretical, poorly enforced or overinterpreted, resulting in little real-world impact.”
The trade groups are calling for “robust enforcement” of the directive, along with “sufficient administrative capacity” and wider digitalisation to streamline permitting processes.
They added: “At the same time, simplification must not mean deregulation. We must prioritise implementation of existing rules over reopening essential legislation.
“This is not the time for new laws. It’s time to deliver on what has already been agreed.
“Without decisive implementation, Europe risks missing its targets and losing its clean energy momentum.”