European Parliament’s ITRE Committee approved updates to the trans-European energy infrastructure rules (TEN-E), which govern the cross-border network of pipelines and cables

On Thursday, the European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy Committee approved updates to the trans-European energy infrastructure rules (TEN-E), which govern the cross-border network of pipelines and cables. The proposed changes aim to boost energy security, eliminate structural bottlenecks, and ensure smoother energy flows across the EU. MEPs adopted the draft report with a 56 to 10 vote (and nine abstentions). Additionally, the committee voted 61 to 6 (with eight abstentions) to begin formal negotiations with the EU Council, pending final approval during an upcoming plenary session.

PNL MEP Virgil-Daniel Popescu, EPP Shadow Rapporteur on TEN-E, stated that the vote in the ITRE committee “is an important step towards building the energy infrastructure Europe actually needs. We have strengthened the Commission proposal by introducing a more strategic approach to infrastructure planning. Europe should have a clear picture of where the major bottlenecks are, which strategic corridors and network reinforcements are needed, when they should be developed towards 2040 and 2050, and what level of investment will be required.

At the same time, we have put greater emphasis on affordability, competitiveness, technological neutrality and the resilience and security of our energy infrastructure. This is ultimately about delivering more affordable energy for European citizens and businesses. Better interconnected and more efficient energy networks can reduce costs, strengthen competition and allow energy to flow where it is needed most. And we are accelerating permitting, because identifying the infrastructure Europe needs is not enough — we must also be able to build it much faster.

As EPP shadow rapporteur, I believe the compromise adopted today provides a balanced and pragmatic framework to turn European energy objectives into real infrastructure that strengthens Europe’s energy security while helping bring down energy costs for households and businesses.”