EU energy ministers seek agreement on the European grids package

EU energy ministers seek agreement on the European grids package

EU energy ministers will meet in Luxembourg on 26 June 2026. The main item on the agenda of the meeting of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council is to reach a general approach on the development of trans-European networks for energy. The ministers will also discuss the planning of post-2030 energy policy, as well as coordination and response measures to the energy impacts of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala will represent Finland at the meeting.

EU grids package would develop grids, electrification and permitting

The aim is for the energy ministers to agree on the Council's general approach on the European grids package. It includes the proposals presented by the Commission on 10 December 2025 for the revision of the existing regulation on the trans-European energy infrastructure (TEN-E) and for the permitting directive.

The aim of the package is to improve cross-border interconnectivity, boost electrification and speed up permitting for renewable energy projects, electricity grids and gas grids. At the same time, the package is aimed at making cross-border infrastructure more secure and resilient. The grids package is a key component of the "One Europe, One Market" roadmap, which aims to strengthen Europe's competitiveness by reducing energy prices and decarbonising.

"In the course of the working party proceedings, the original proposal has been amended to reflect the priorities advocated by Finland. Indeed, we can now support the compromise text presented by the Presidency to the Council," says minister Sari Multala.

"We want to continue to emphasise technological neutrality, the different starting points of the Member States and their right to decide on their own energy system. Finland also supports the compromise proposal concerning congestion revenues arising from the limited capacity of cross-border connections. Congestion revenues should be spent on developing cross-border connections where they are generated, respecting the competence of the Member States," minister Multala adds.

Finland considers it very important that the TEN-E Regulation include provisions for repairing damage caused by deliberate acts of sabotage. "It is important that financial support from the EU can be made available for repairing damage to critical underwater energy infrastructure caused by deliberate sabotage," Multala emphasises.

With respect to the permitting directive, Finland considers it important that national specificities are taken into account so that Member States are left with sufficient flexibility to develop and streamline permitting and approval procedures. Proposals concerning tacit approval procedures, changing land use or area status through zoning, and sharing benefits with local residents and communities are important.

Discussing the EU's post-2030 energy framework

The energy ministers will exchange views, based on questions prepared by the Cypriot Presidency, on how the post-2030 energy framework should be designed. The aim is to achieve the 2040 climate target while ensuring affordable, homegrown energy and enhancing the EU's competitiveness. The 2040 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% was set in the amended European Climate Law, which entered into force in April 2026.

Finland's view is that the post-2030 climate and energy framework must be based on clear, predictable and long-term regulation that supports investment. The key starting points are cost efficiency, technological neutrality and the development of new low-carbon solutions.

"In Finland, the energy system has been developed in a way that combines competitive prices, low emissions and strong security of supply. This development will continue to be strengthened through a technology-neutral, market-based policy that supports investment. The key is to increase clean electricity and other low-carbon energy, improve energy efficiency in a flexible manner, and maintain a diverse energy system that supports the competitiveness of industry and climate targets," minister Sari Multala says.

"European regulation should increase clean energy and reduce the use of fossil energy without imposing excessively detailed obligations that quickly become obsolete. Member States must be given sufficient opportunities to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in a nationally cost-efficient manner," minister Multala adds.

Energy ministers to discuss the Strait of Hormuz situation and its energy impacts

Based on a discussion paper prepared by the Presidency, the ministers will take stock of the disruption to global energy markets caused by the crisis in the Middle East and possible coordination and response measures by the EU. The crisis has increased the political salience of energy security and affordable energy prices and highlighted the need to strengthen the EU's common response.

"Finland emphasises reducing the use of fossil fuels in general, as it strengthens the EU's energy security and reduces dependencies. The clean transition is a matter of climate, competitiveness and energy security alike. Having a large share of zero-emission electricity and heat protects from volatile energy prices," minister Multala notes.

Inquiries:
Riku Huttunen, Director General, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 431 6518
Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Climate and the Environment, tel. +358 50 322 9636
Elina Johansson, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 301 4607
Jarmo Muurman, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of the Environment, tel. +358 295 250 185 (permitting directive)
Sanna Ek-Husson, Senior Specialist, Permanent Representation of Finland, Brussels, tel. +32 470 206 178