EU promises competitive gas supplies for South-East Europe

Building on the Affordable Energy Action Plan introduced at the start of the mandate, the Commission has outlined seven key actions to bring down energy prices.

The Commission urges Member States to use the enhanced State aid framework (CISAF), which provides support for energy-intensive industries by offering price relief and assistance for decarbonisation. The Commission will give further guidance on designing national schemes.

Member States can use EU Cohesion Funds to invest in national grids and storage capacity. Revised programmes can be submitted before year-end, and the Commission will assist in creating tailored solutions for unused funds.

Industrial players should engage with key financial actors, such as the European Investment Bank and national promotional banks, to explore funding opportunities and risk-reduction mechanisms, particularly Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

The Commission encourages Member States to implement the revised Renewable Energy Directive quickly and to accelerate the transition to cleaner, more affordable energy. Additional measures to streamline permitting will be proposed as part of the Grids Package, planned for adoption before year-end.

Member States must step up efforts to improve connections with neighbouring countries. The Commission will soon introduce new measures under the Grids Package and present the Energy Highways initiative to address eight key bottlenecks across the Energy Union.

The single market can help secure the best supply deals. Further diversification of gas supplies through reliable partners such as the US, Norway and Qatar remains essential. Therefore, the Commission, together with interested Member States, will launch a gas demand collection exercise for companies in South-East Europe to ensure competitively priced and diversified gas supplies.

Reducing taxes can have an immediate effect, particularly for energy-intensive industries and vulnerable consumers. The Commission will soon issue recommendations and provide additional support to help lower energy bill taxation.

According to the Commission, measures are needed because energy prices in Europe remain high compared to competitors, threatening the competitiveness of major industries, the overall economy, and citizens’ quality of life.