Ensuring compliance with cross-zonal electricity trade rules in the EU

Priority question for written answer P-003600/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)

The Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators has warned that the electricity price peaks in south-eastern Europe during summer 2024 could have been avoided if transmission system operators had fully respected the '70 % rule' set out in the 2019 clean energy package - the legal requirement that at least 70 % of network capacity be made available for cross-zonal trade. Delays in implementation are undermining this obligation, and expensive corrective measures, are still used to relieve congestion instead of structural solutions.

In eastern Europe, especially Romania, the effects are acute. Analyses show that during peak evening hours, average electricity prices in Romania would have been significantly lower if cross-border capacity obligations had been met. Romania continues to record some of the highest electricity spot prices in the EU. Although recent prices have decreased compared to the previous year, they remain elevated relative to many of other the Member States.

In the light of the above:

What measures does the Commission plan to implement to ensure that the Member States meet the 70 % cross-zonal capacity requirement on time, improve interconnection, especially in south-eastern and eastern Europe, prevent extreme price differentials and deliver more stable, affordable electricity prices for consumers across the EU?

Submitted: 17.9.2025