Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have adopted new proposals aimed at modernizing the European Union’s electricity grid to support the integration of more renewable energy sources and enhance system resilience. The measures, approved on June 19, emphasize the importance of implementing the EU grid action plan, which outlines necessary investments and infrastructure upgrades to improve cross-border transmission capacity.
The report highlights that significant investment is crucial for upgrading both national and cross-border grid infrastructure. MEPs advocate for increased oversight from authorities to ensure the electricity system remains flexible and capable of decarbonization. To attract private investment alongside public funding, the report calls for clearer rules and procedures to be established, ensuring that network tariffs accurately reflect actual costs.
MEPs pointed out the necessity of investing in solutions to eliminate grid bottlenecks, which currently force energy producers to limit output due to capacity restrictions. They stress the need for enhanced European planning to connect borders, sectors, and regions, thereby facilitating better integration of renewable energy into electricity grids and increasing cross-border interconnections.
Public acceptance and effective communication with citizens are also deemed essential for the successful rollout of new grid projects. Lead MEP Anna Sturgkh (Renew, Austria) noted that the recent blackout in the Iberian Peninsula served as a stark example of the vulnerabilities present in the current grid system. Sturgkh remarked that the blackout demonstrated the need for strategic investments in infrastructure alongside renewable energy initiatives. She emphasized the role of cross-border interconnectors, which allowed France to assist during the crisis, and urged the European Commission to prioritize planning and coordination for grid and storage improvements to avoid future energy crises.
The report received strong backing from MEPs, passing with a vote of 418 in favor, 112 against, and 45 abstentions. Following this, the European Commission plans to issue a guidance document and propose a European Grids Package by the end of 2025.
The need for modernization was underscored by the recent blackout on April 28, 2025, which affected the Iberian Peninsula and parts of France. This incident highlighted the critical importance of strengthening the resilience of the EU’s electricity grid to support the clean energy transition and foster economic growth. The European Commission estimates that approximately €584 billion will be required for electricity investment by 2030, including funds for cross-border interconnectors and upgrades to distribution grids to align with the energy transition.
