On Thursday, MEPs from the Industry, Research and Energy Committee proposed changes to the rules governing trans-European energy infrastructure – the network of pipelines, cables, and other facilities that carry energy across borders within the EU. It should strengthen energy security by improving cross-border connections and reducing bottlenecks and help ensure energy can flow more freely across the continent.

Smarter planning and less red tape

The update will allow smarter planning, giving the European Commission a stronger role in developing a common energy scenario and ensuring that infrastructure decisions are based on shared and consistent data. The legislation will also bring in new tools to systematically identify gaps in the electricity and hydrogen networks, so that investment is directed where it is needed.

The proposal streamlines the authorisation process for key projects, reducing administrative delays. Before approving new physical infrastructure, authorities must…