EU energy ministers’ meeting to be marked by Iran war and European competitiveness issues
The EU ministers responsible for energy issues will convene in Brussels on 16 March 2026. The meeting agenda will include the European grids package for 2028–2034, the action plan for affordable energy, and energy security. Finland will be represented by Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala.
Discussion on guidelines for Europe-wide energy networks
As part of the European grids package, the ministers will hold a policy debate on the regulation of trans-European energy infrastructure (TEN-E). The European Commission has proposed a revision of the TEN-E regulation and a directive to accelerate permitting of energy infrastructure, both of which were published in December.
The aim of the grids package is to improve cross-border interconnectivity, speed up the granting of permits for procedures for energy infrastructure projects, and make cross-border infrastructure more resilient and secure.
A meeting hosted by Cyprus – the current President of the Council of the EU – will address political issues related to the negotiations, including 1) the Commission’s role in the development of EU-wide energy networks, 2) the use of congestion revenues, and 3) speeding up permit procedures.
Finland has reservations about increasing the Commission’s role and putting the congestion revenues aside for purposes other than strengthening the networks in question. The planning and implementation of energy infrastructure and cross-border connections should primarily remain within the competence of the Member States. With the introduction of the one-stop shop model, Finland is already making good progress in accelerating permit procedures. The fragmented nature of permit regulation creates a challenge at the EU level.
Progress on the action plan for affordable energy
Ministers will exchange views on the action plan for affordable energy, which was presented by the Commission a year ago. During the discussion, energy ministers will be invited to share any effective actions implemented at national level and to examine other possible measures to further reduce energy costs in the short term.
The future of the Electricity Market Design (EMD) and the emissions trading system (ETS) as well as the pressure to change them will also be raised in the meeting. In Finland’s opinion, there is no reason to change the foundations of the emissions trading scheme, because such changes could increase uncertainty and reduce incentives for investments.
These matters affecting Europe’s competitiveness will also be discussed at the European Council later that week. The debate on current issues will also touch on the war in Iran and the efforts of the International Energy Agency (IEA) to reassure the oil market. Finland considers that the situation emphasises the necessity of Europe to rely on its own clean energy sources.
Energy security: lessons learned from the war in Ukraine
The third topic under discussion will focus on promoting energy security through common action and shared lessons from Ukraine and Moldova. The EU ministers will be joined by Moldovan Minister for Energy, Dorin Junghietu, and Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.
Finland continues its strong support for Ukraine and considers that the lessons learned from the war regarding e.g. the protection and repair of energy infrastructure should be made full use of when improving national and EU-level preparedness. Distributed energy generation is a good and concrete way to enhance energy security.
Over lunch, the energy ministers will discuss ways to accelerate clean energy investments for increased European competitiveness. Volker Zuleger, Interim Director of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), and Laura Piovesan, Director General of the Projects Directorate of the European Investment Bank will join the debate.
Inquiries:
Riku Huttunen, Director General, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 431 6518
Elina Johansson, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 301 4607 Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Climate and the Environment, tel. +358 50 322 9636
Sanna Ek-Husson, Senior Specialist, Permanent Representation of Finland, Brussels, tel. +32 470 206 178