Briefing Note No. 24, which has just been released and is available here, focuses on the European Grids Package. This latest Briefing Note examines the European Commission’s latest initiatives aimed at upgrading and expanding Europe’s energy grids, which form the backbone of the EU’s energy system and are critical for achieving energy security, affordability, and decarbonisation.
The Briefing Note outlines the rationale behind the European Grids Package and the Energy Highways Initiative, which together promote a more integrated, resilient, and future-ready electricity network across the European Union. Emphasis is placed on the need for faster cross-border electricity flows, improved grid planning at European level, and streamlined permitting procedures, all of which are essential for the effective integration of renewable energy and the acceleration of electrification.
A central element of the analysis is the presentation of the eight priority Energy Highways identified by the European Commission. These flagship projects address key infrastructure bottlenecks, strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, and support the objectives of the Energy Union. The Briefing Note explains how enhanced political coordination, targeted financing tools, and EU-level prioritisation are expected to accelerate their implementation.
Special attention is given to SE Europe, a region where modernisation of electricity grids and reinforcement of interconnections are particularly urgent. The publication reviews projects of high strategic importance for the region, highlighting their role in reducing price disparities, supporting renewable energy integration, and enhancing system resilience, while also noting the geopolitical and regulatory challenges that may affect their timely delivery.
Finally, the Briefing Note discusses the next steps for the European Grids Package, including the forthcoming legislative process and continued cooperation between EU institutions, Member States, and stakeholders. It concludes that strong and sustained EU engagement will be crucial to ensure that major cross-border projects move forward, enabling Europe to build a secure, competitive, and climate-aligned energy system in the years ahead.
