Energy connectivity, electricity grids

Background

This exploratory opinion aims to analyse how the EU can improve the integration, reliability and sustainability of its energy infrastructure.

More specifically, the opinion looks into measures to modernise grids, promote smart technologies, expand interconnections and support investment in innovative storage and transmission solutions. It also examines how to overcome regulatory and technical barriers that slow down progress.

The end goal is to guarantee future energy security by building, on the one hand, a more integrated and resilient European energy system and by increasing, on the other, cooperation with neighbouring region.

Stronger energy interconnectivity is essential to achieve: 1) energy security 2) lower energy prices and 3) the EU’s decarbonisation targets.

Energy interconnectivity is also important in the framework of the New Pact for the Mediterranean and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which is meant to connect the EU and the Middle East.

Key points

The EESC:

• stresses that the European electricity sector must have the capacity to plan the needs of the electricity system at EU level and in partner countries, based on a common energy scenario set out by the Commission and national system operators.
• underlines that interconnections can only be effective if they are accompanied by the development of the relevant national infrastructures, especially at Transmission System Operators (TSO) and Distribution System Operators (DSO) levels. The creation of interconnection capacity must be an opportunity to foster European solidarity regarding electricity networks.
• prioritises the security of the electricity system, concerning climate change impacts, physical attacks, acts of sabotage, cyber risks and system balancing risks.

Additional information

Section: Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society (TEN)

Opinion number: TEN/865

Opinion type: Exploratory opinion Presidency

Rapporteur: Christophe Béguinet (Group II - France)

Date of adoption by section: 3 February 2026

Result of the vote: 81 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstention

Date of adoption in plenary: 18-19 February 2026

Result of the vote: 235 in favour, 4 against, 4 abstentions

Contact

Marco Pezzani

Press Officer

Tel.: +32 2 546 9793 | Mob: +32 470 881 903

E-mail: marco.pezzani@eesc.europa.eu

Giorgia Bordignon

Administrator

Tel.: +32 546 8535

E-mail: giorgiaandrea.bordignon@eesc.europa.eu