BETA


2015/2108(INI) Achieving the 10% electricity interconnection target - Making Europe's electricity grid fit for 2020

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead ITRE ERIKSSON Peter (icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE) BENDTSEN Bendt (icon: PPE PPE), CABEZÓN RUIZ Soledad (icon: S&D S&D), TELIČKA Pavel (icon: ALDE ALDE), PAKSAS Rolandas (icon: EFDD EFDD)
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54

Events

2016/05/03
   EC - Commission response to text adopted in plenary
Documents
2015/12/15
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2015/12/15
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted by 630 votes to 45 with 20 abstentions, a legislative resolution on achieving the 10 % electricity interconnection target – making Europe’s electricity grid fit for 2020, following the Commission communication on the subject.

Benefits of interconnection : Parliament welcomed the Commission communication and strategy while recognising that electricity interconnection is one of the key preconditions for completing an integrated internal electricity market. This will help to achieve our climate objectives, including the EU’s aim to be the leader in renewables, and improve the EU’s geopolitical position through greater energy security and independence, as well as reduce energy isolation and the possibility of perturbations in the energy system.

The following advantages were underlined:

a substantially increased interconnectivity of the European network leads to a more resilient and robust network , better prepared to deal with all kinds of alterations and disruptions, and allows the growing share of power from renewable sources to blend efficiently into the European network; a fully integrated internal electricity market would facilitate the electricity trading and increase security and lower the volatility of electricity prices, as it is estimated that EUR 12 to 40 billion could be saved annually by European consumers by 2030; investments in the necessary interconnection projects which could be as high as EUR 150 billion by 2030, according to the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) – could reduce electricity prices by a minimum of EUR 2 /MWh, and that these investments would allow Europe to cover a large share of its electric load with renewable energy sources.

Parliament stressed that the phasing out of regulated energy prices for consumers should take into account the real level of market competition and that the Energy Union Strategy should insure that consumers have access to affordable, safe and sustainable energy prices.

The 10 % electricity interconnection target : Parliament recognised that the 10 % target – to be achieved by 2020 – was a valuable target. It regretted that twelve Member States, mainly in the periphery of the EU, remain below the 10 % electricity interconnection target and are thus largely isolated from the internal electricity market. It stressed, therefore, that more should be done to assist those Member States whose low level of connectivity hinders the completion of the internal electricity market to meet the target.

Members considered, however, that a single interconnection target based on installed electricity generation capacity is not, on its own, appropriate for all Member States. They were therefore convinced that there is a need in the mid-term, and certainly within the 2030 horizon, to agree upon ambitious and evidence-based complementary interconnection targets, agreed by the regions . Parliament called on the Commission to launch the technical discussion on such parameters. Furthermore, the Commission, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and national regulators were urged to ensure transparency and close monitoring of the accessibility of the interconnectors in order to prevent bottlenecks that hinder the functioning of the electricity market and to secure the operation of electricity systems.

A holistic approach : underlining that reinforcements of national grids are imperative if interconnections are to be used to full capacity, Parliament insisted on the importance of:

adopting a holistic approach when assessing the need for reinforcement/extension of cross-border and national connections, with the aim of making the best possible use of the existing interconnection lines and the capacity of existing national infrastructure; having a well-designed transmission and distribution smart grid : Members called for a thorough assessment to define which combination of actions – including building new transmission lines, developing local smart grids, and integrating efficiency and flexibility in the system – is the most optimal, given the specific situation; raising the interconnection level, which cannot be accomplished without a high level of coupling of markets and transmission system operators (TSOs). The Commission was asked to make all efforts to prevent that coupling being established at Member States grouping level and to promote coupling at EU level that includes all Member States and neighbours, in particular the countries taking part in the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP); developing the list of projects of common interest (PCI) must be developed in a more transparent and accountable way: complete assessments, including economic, social and environmental impacts, must be conducted by qualified experts that are fully independent from the project promoter. The overall process should be optimised by promoting more engagement from Parliament and other stakeholders, including civil society representatives.

Parliament stressed the role of the Commission as guardian of an unbundled and accessible electricity market and facilitator of a decentralised energy system, in which Member States enable smaller suppliers, in particular prosumers who use renewable energy resources, to access the grid.

Members invited the Commission to report annually to Parliament on the implementation of PCIs and on progress to reach the 10 % target, as part of the annual stocktaking foreseen in the Strategic Framework for the Energy Union.

Permit granting process : stressing that the lengthy permit granting procedure is a major challenge for new high-voltage lines in Europe, Parliament called on Member States to facilitate speedier processes whilst maintaining an adequate level of guarantees for the public interest.

It welcomed, in this regard, the evaluation of the ‘one-stop-shop’-approach by the Commission to take place in 2017, and encouraged the Commission, in this framework, to assess the potential of a single ‘one-stop shop’ at EU level.

ACER’s role : Members asked the EU budgetary authority to provide the agency with the necessary resources, in particular sufficient own staff, in order to allow the agency to fulfil adequately the tasks assigned to it by legislation.

They called on the Commission to carry out an independent audit, by the end of 2016 at the latest, on the resources available to, and the degree of independence achieved so far by, all national energy regulators, including the identification of recommendations on how to improve the situation.

Financial instruments : the Commission estimated that EUR 35 billion of financing is necessary to reach the 10 % target by 2020 across all Member States. Members recalled that the major part of the financial assistance within the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) energy envelope should be made available for electricity projects, and insists that the Commission give due consideration to that fact. Special attention must be given to projects that address the most significant gaps in the integrated EU electricity market and the lack of sufficient interconnectivity.

The Commission was asked to: (i) encourage investments in the best available technology , which can be costlier but offers considerable life-cycle financial advantages as well as time savings and technology leadership advantages in the long run; (ii) conduct a review of the financing rules with the aim of streamlining the existing mechanisms; and (iii) strengthen incentives for further investments in the grid.

Regional cooperation : amongst other observations and recommendations, the resolution:

asked Member States concerned to take the necessary steps to initiate a formal procedure for the extension of the synchronous Continental European Network towards the Baltic states; called on the Commission and Member States for strong political support and endorsement of the North Sea Offshore Grid ; highlighted that the shared electricity market between Austria and Germany is furthering the implementation of an integrated European energy market; stressed that Central and South-Eastern Europe (CSEE) is endowed with a vast – and largely untapped – potential in terms of renewables, and that the high dependence of Central and South-Eastern Europe on energy imports means that it is vital to increase cross-border electricity capacity; stressed the importance of significantly increasing interconnection between Spain and France.

Beyond 2020 : noting the development of renewable energy sources across the continent, Parliament recommended that the 15 % target, based on installed capacity for 2030, should not stand alone , and that it should be assessed carefully and thoroughly to ensure that it is fit for purpose and is pertinent and feasible. It asked the Commission, therefore, to assess the setting of regional, complementary targets and to find better qualitative and quantitative benchmarks, such as trade flows, peak flows and bottlenecks, that highlight how much interconnection is needed.

Members also stressed the need to derive a future electricity interconnection target on the basis of the EU’s long-term climate goals , and of the sustainable energy system that the EU is looking for.

Documents
2015/12/15
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2015/12/14
   EP - Debate in Parliament
2015/11/17
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Details

The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy adopted the own-initiative report by Peter ERIKSSON (Greens/EFA, SE), following the strategy on achieving the 10 % electricity interconnection target presented by the Commission.

Benefits of interconnection : the report recognised that electricity interconnection is one of the key preconditions for completing an integrated internal electricity market , which will help to achieve our climate objectives, including the EU’s aim to be the leader in renewables, and improve the EU’s geopolitical position through greater energy security and independence, as well as reduce energy isolation and the possibility of perturbations in the energy system.

Members stressed that a fully integrated internal electricity market would facilitate the electricity trading and increase security and lower the volatility of electricity prices , as it is estimated that EUR 12 to 40 billion could be saved annually by European consumers by 2030.

Furthermore, they noted that investments in the necessary interconnection projects which could be as high as EUR 150 billion by 2030, according to the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) – could reduce electricity prices by a minimum of EUR 2 /MWh, and that these investments would allow Europe to cover a large share of its electric load with renewable energy sources.

The 10 % electricity interconnection target : Members recognised that the 10 % target – to be achieved by 2020 – was a valuable target. They regretted that twelve Member States, mainly in the periphery of the EU, remain below the 10 % electricity interconnection target and are thus largely isolated from the internal electricity market. They stressed, therefore, that more should be done to assist those Member States whose low level of connectivity hinders the completion of the internal electricity market to meet the target.

The committee considered, however, that a single interconnection target based on installed electricity generation capacity is not, on its own, appropriate for all Member States. It was therefore convinced that there is a need in the mid-term, and certainly within the 2030 horizon, to agree upon ambitious and evidence-based complementary interconnection targets, agreed by the regions . It called on the Commission to launch the technical discussion on such parameters. Furthermore, the Commission, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and national regulators were urged to ensure transparency and close monitoring of the accessibility of the interconnectors in order to prevent bottlenecks that hinder the functioning of the electricity market and to secure the operation of electricity systems.

A holistic approach : underlining that reinforcements of national grids are imperative if interconnections are to be used to full capacity, the report insisted that a holistic approach should be taken when assessing the need for reinforcement/extension of cross-border and national connections, with the aim of making the best possible use of the existing interconnection lines and the capacity of existing national infrastructure.

Recalling the importance of a well-designed transmission and distribution smart grid , Members called for a thorough assessment to define which combination of actions – including building new transmission lines, developing local smart grids, and integrating efficiency and flexibility in the system – is the most optimal, given the specific situation.

They also stressed that the benefits of raising the interconnection level cannot be accomplished without a high level of coupling of markets and transmission system operators (TSOs). The Commission was asked to make all efforts to prevent that coupling being established at Member States grouping level and to promote coupling at EU level that includes all Member States and neighbours, in particular the countries taking part in the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).

The report underlined the fact that the list of projects of common interest (PCI) must be developed in a more transparent and accountable way. It recalled the need to provide complete assessments, including economic, social and environmental impacts, conducted by qualified experts that are fully independent from the project promoter. The overall process should be optimised by promoting more engagement from Parliament and other stakeholders, including civil society representatives.

Permit granting process : stressing that the lengthy permit granting procedure is a major challenge for new high-voltage lines in Europe, the report called on Member States to facilitate speedier processes whilst maintaining an adequate level of guarantees for the public interest.

It welcomed, in this regard, the evaluation of the ‘one-stop-shop’-approach by the Commission to take place in 2017, and encouraged the Commission, in this framework, to assess the potential of a single ‘one-stop shop’ at EU level.

ACER’s role : Members asked the EU budgetary authority to provide the agency with the necessary resources, in particular sufficient own staff, in order to allow the agency to fulfil adequately the tasks assigned to it by legislation.

Financial instruments : Members noted the Commission’s estimate that EUR 35 billion of financing is necessary to reach the 10 % target by 2020 across all Member States. They recalled that the major part of the financial assistance within the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) energy envelope should be made available for electricity projects, and insists that the Commission give due consideration to that fact. Special attention must be given to projects that address the most significant gaps in the integrated EU electricity market and the lack of sufficient interconnectivity.

The Commission was asked to: (i) encourage investments in the best available technology , which can be costlier but offers considerable life-cycle financial advantages as well as time savings and technology leadership advantages in the long run; (ii) conduct a review of the financing rules with the aim of streamlining the existing mechanisms; and (iii) strengthen incentives for further investments in the grid.

Regional cooperation : amongst other observations and recommendations, the report:

asked Member States concerned to take the necessary steps to initiate a formal procedure for the extension of the synchronous Continental European Network towards the Baltic states; called on the Commission and Member States for strong political support and endorsement of the North Sea Offshore Grid ; highlighted that the shared electricity market between Austria and Germany is furthering the implementation of an integrated European energy market; stressed that Central and South-Eastern Europe (CSEE) is endowed with a vast – and largely untapped – potential in terms of renewables, and that the high dependence of Central and South-Eastern Europe on energy imports means that it is vital to increase cross-border electricity capacity; stressed the importance of significantly increasing interconnection between Spain and France.

Beyond 2020 : noting the development of renewable energy sources across the continent, Members recommended that the 15 % target, based on installed capacity for 2030, should not stand alone , and that is should be assessed carefully and thoroughly to ensure that it is fit for purpose and is pertinent and feasible. They asked the Commission, therefore, to assess the setting of regional, complementary targets and to find better qualitative and quantitative benchmarks, such as trade flows, peak flows and bottlenecks, that highlight how much interconnection is needed.

The report also stressed the need to derive a future electricity interconnection target on the basis of the EU’s long-term climate goals , and of the sustainable energy system that the EU is looking for.

Documents
2015/11/10
   EP - Vote in committee
2015/10/23
   EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2015/10/05
   RO_CHAMBER - Contribution
Documents
2015/10/04
   IT_CHAMBER - Contribution
Documents
2015/08/04
   EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2015/07/23
   PT_PARLIAMENT - Contribution
Documents
2015/07/21
   CZ_SENATE - Contribution
Documents
2015/07/21
   IT_SENATE - Contribution
Documents
2015/07/21
   RO_SENATE - Contribution
Documents
2015/07/02
   CZ_CHAMBER - Contribution
Documents
2015/06/11
   EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2015/05/21
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2015/04/17
   EP - ERIKSSON Peter (Verts/ALE) appointed as rapporteur in ITRE
2015/02/25
   EC - Non-legislative basic document
Details

PURPOSE: to present a strategy for achieving the 10% electricity interconnection target Making Europe's electricity grid fit for 2020.

BACKGROUND: energy infrastructure has been high on the European energy agenda. The European Council in October 2014 called for "speedy implementation of all the measures to meet the target of achieving interconnection of at least 10 % of their installed electricity production capacity for all Member States."

The integration of the EU's energy markets is delivering tangible results : wholesale electricity prices have declined by one-third; consumers have more choice as energy suppliers compete to deliver lower prices and better services; and the legal framework has improved competition in the sector.

Nonetheless, much remains to be done , since:

the EU is dependent on imports, infrastructure is outdated and investment lacking ; the retail market is not fully functioning, high final energy prices for citizens and for businesses harming the competitiveness of our companies; there is a need to shift to a low-carbon economy in order to fight climate change as well as challenges to our technological leadership; the EU must overcome its fragmentation of national energy markets.

It is for these reasons that the Commission adopted a framework strategy for a resilient Energy Union with a forward-looking climate policy. This Communication is one concrete step in this direction.

Twelve Member States, mainly in the periphery of the EU, remain below the 10% electricity interconnection target and are thus isolated from the internal electricity market. The Commission feels that building these interconnections will require the mobilisation of all efforts at all levels, as a matter of urgency, to achieve the common objective of a fully functioning and connected internal energy market.

CONTENT: this Communication presents a strategy to ensure the full integration of the internal electricity market through adequate levels of interconnection, which will serve also an integral part of the Energy Union.

The benefits of an interconnected energy system : the Commission considers that the interconnection of the electricity markets must be a political priority for the European Union at all levels in the years to come. Interconnecting isolated national electric power systems and building a truly European Electrical System will:

allow for more affordable prices in electricity , in the long term due to the higher market efficiency, higher electricity supply security, reliability and quality while ensuring a high standard of environmental protection; reduce energy dependency , through the reduction in the consumption of imported fuels; facilitate new investments in Europe due to the more competitive prices of electricity and the improvement in the competition levels of European industries; lower environmental impact due to the non-built power plants and the reduction of CO2 emissions; unleash a higher potential of growth for the European renewable energy industry and ensure world leadership of the renewable industry.

Full implementation of the European regulatory framework : the trans-European energy networks Regulation (TEN-E) addresses for the first time the specific issue of projects that cross borders or that have an impact on cross-border flows. The Commission will ensure full implementation and strict enforcement of its provisions in order to avoid delays in projects.

Making full use of all available financial instruments : for electricity projects some EUR 105 billion are needed, out of which some EUR 35 billion for the interconnections which acquired a Project of Common Interest (PCI) status and are necessary to reach the 10% target across the EU.

Members States may use support for Projects of Common Interest, through the available financial means, e.g. the Connecting Europe Facility , the European Structural and Investment Funds and the future European Fund for Strategic Investments to assist promoters to implement projects.

Speed up interconnection : the interconnection target will be achieved mainly through the implementation of PCIs. The Commission considers that implementation of the PCIs will bring Europe much closer to the achievement of the 10% electricity interconnection target between Member States if the projects envisaged are completed in 2020. Efforts need to be stepped-up for those below the target to achieve 10% by 2020, mainly Spain and Cyprus, through a more coordinated approach and using all tools available

To speed up the achievement of the interconnection target the Commission intends to:

1 ) intensify the work of the Regional Groups , established under the TEN-E Regulation, to closely monitor progress of each PCI and to propose corrective and targeted early action when necessary, especially in those Member States furthest away from the 10% target;

2) intensify its support for the critical projects through targeted measures. The Commission will assess project by project to look at any obstacles and risks that might delay construction and take action as necessary such as:

bring together the promoters to find solutions to technical, planning, design and implementation issues and facilitate contacts with the EIB and other banks; provide access to technical assistance to better shape the project and make it bankable; work together with ACER and the national regulators to find the best incentives; ensure compliance with the TEN-E Regulation and launch appropriate procedures, in case provisions are not yet implemented, for instance on permit granting; facilitate agreement between Member States to solve political issues.

3) strengthen regional cooperation in order to set out a specific strategy for each region (e.g. Baltic Sea, Iberian Peninsula, the countries surrounding the Northern Seas.)

The Commission will issue an annual report to the European Council on implementation of PCIs and progress towards the 10% electricity interconnection target If needed, the Commission will propose further measures in order to achieve this target. In addition, in late 2015 the Commission will convene the first Energy Infrastructure Forum to discuss and find solutions to issues that are common to all regions across Europe and, where relevant, with neighbouring countries.

2015/02/25
   EC - Non-legislative basic document published
Details

PURPOSE: to present a strategy for achieving the 10% electricity interconnection target Making Europe's electricity grid fit for 2020.

BACKGROUND: energy infrastructure has been high on the European energy agenda. The European Council in October 2014 called for "speedy implementation of all the measures to meet the target of achieving interconnection of at least 10 % of their installed electricity production capacity for all Member States."

The integration of the EU's energy markets is delivering tangible results : wholesale electricity prices have declined by one-third; consumers have more choice as energy suppliers compete to deliver lower prices and better services; and the legal framework has improved competition in the sector.

Nonetheless, much remains to be done , since:

the EU is dependent on imports, infrastructure is outdated and investment lacking ; the retail market is not fully functioning, high final energy prices for citizens and for businesses harming the competitiveness of our companies; there is a need to shift to a low-carbon economy in order to fight climate change as well as challenges to our technological leadership; the EU must overcome its fragmentation of national energy markets.

It is for these reasons that the Commission adopted a framework strategy for a resilient Energy Union with a forward-looking climate policy. This Communication is one concrete step in this direction.

Twelve Member States, mainly in the periphery of the EU, remain below the 10% electricity interconnection target and are thus isolated from the internal electricity market. The Commission feels that building these interconnections will require the mobilisation of all efforts at all levels, as a matter of urgency, to achieve the common objective of a fully functioning and connected internal energy market.

CONTENT: this Communication presents a strategy to ensure the full integration of the internal electricity market through adequate levels of interconnection, which will serve also an integral part of the Energy Union.

The benefits of an interconnected energy system : the Commission considers that the interconnection of the electricity markets must be a political priority for the European Union at all levels in the years to come. Interconnecting isolated national electric power systems and building a truly European Electrical System will:

allow for more affordable prices in electricity , in the long term due to the higher market efficiency, higher electricity supply security, reliability and quality while ensuring a high standard of environmental protection; reduce energy dependency , through the reduction in the consumption of imported fuels; facilitate new investments in Europe due to the more competitive prices of electricity and the improvement in the competition levels of European industries; lower environmental impact due to the non-built power plants and the reduction of CO2 emissions; unleash a higher potential of growth for the European renewable energy industry and ensure world leadership of the renewable industry.

Full implementation of the European regulatory framework : the trans-European energy networks Regulation (TEN-E) addresses for the first time the specific issue of projects that cross borders or that have an impact on cross-border flows. The Commission will ensure full implementation and strict enforcement of its provisions in order to avoid delays in projects.

Making full use of all available financial instruments : for electricity projects some EUR 105 billion are needed, out of which some EUR 35 billion for the interconnections which acquired a Project of Common Interest (PCI) status and are necessary to reach the 10% target across the EU.

Members States may use support for Projects of Common Interest, through the available financial means, e.g. the Connecting Europe Facility , the European Structural and Investment Funds and the future European Fund for Strategic Investments to assist promoters to implement projects.

Speed up interconnection : the interconnection target will be achieved mainly through the implementation of PCIs. The Commission considers that implementation of the PCIs will bring Europe much closer to the achievement of the 10% electricity interconnection target between Member States if the projects envisaged are completed in 2020. Efforts need to be stepped-up for those below the target to achieve 10% by 2020, mainly Spain and Cyprus, through a more coordinated approach and using all tools available

To speed up the achievement of the interconnection target the Commission intends to:

1 ) intensify the work of the Regional Groups , established under the TEN-E Regulation, to closely monitor progress of each PCI and to propose corrective and targeted early action when necessary, especially in those Member States furthest away from the 10% target;

2) intensify its support for the critical projects through targeted measures. The Commission will assess project by project to look at any obstacles and risks that might delay construction and take action as necessary such as:

bring together the promoters to find solutions to technical, planning, design and implementation issues and facilitate contacts with the EIB and other banks; provide access to technical assistance to better shape the project and make it bankable; work together with ACER and the national regulators to find the best incentives; ensure compliance with the TEN-E Regulation and launch appropriate procedures, in case provisions are not yet implemented, for instance on permit granting; facilitate agreement between Member States to solve political issues.

3) strengthen regional cooperation in order to set out a specific strategy for each region (e.g. Baltic Sea, Iberian Peninsula, the countries surrounding the Northern Seas.)

The Commission will issue an annual report to the European Council on implementation of PCIs and progress towards the 10% electricity interconnection target If needed, the Commission will propose further measures in order to achieve this target. In addition, in late 2015 the Commission will convene the first Energy Infrastructure Forum to discuss and find solutions to issues that are common to all regions across Europe and, where relevant, with neighbouring countries.

Documents

Activities

Votes

A8-0330/2015 - Peter Eriksson - Am 3 #

2015/12/15 Outcome: -: 343, +: 313, 0: 34
ES PT FR RO EL DK MT LT BE EE IT CY AT BG CZ LU FI SE IE HR SI SK LV NL HU DE GB PL
Total
45
20
66
31
20
13
5
10
21
6
67
6
17
14
18
4
12
19
10
11
8
13
8
24
20
84
68
49
icon: S&D S&D
181

Malta S&D

3

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Cyprus S&D

2

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1

Ireland S&D

For (1)

1

Croatia S&D

2

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Latvia S&D

1

Netherlands S&D

3
icon: ALDE ALDE
64

Romania ALDE

3

Denmark ALDE

3

Estonia ALDE

3

Austria ALDE

For (1)

1

Bulgaria ALDE

2

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1

Croatia ALDE

2

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1

Latvia ALDE

1
icon: ENF ENF
34

Romania ENF

1

Belgium ENF

For (1)

1
3

Netherlands ENF

3

United Kingdom ENF

Against (1)

1

Poland ENF

2
icon: NI NI
12

France NI

For (1)

1
3

Germany NI

Against (1)

2

United Kingdom NI

Against (1)

1

Poland NI

Against (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
43

Portugal GUE/NGL

3

France GUE/NGL

2

Denmark GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Italy GUE/NGL

3

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2

Czechia GUE/NGL

2

Finland GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

Against (1)

4

Netherlands GUE/NGL

3

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1
icon: EFDD EFDD
41

France EFDD

Against (1)

1

Lithuania EFDD

Abstain (1)

1

Czechia EFDD

Against (1)

1

Sweden EFDD

2

Poland EFDD

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
47

Denmark Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Lithuania Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

Estonia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Finland Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Sweden Verts/ALE

3

Croatia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

Hungary Verts/ALE

2

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

6
icon: ECR ECR
69

Romania ECR

Against (1)

1

Greece ECR

Against (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

Against (1)

1

Italy ECR

2

Bulgaria ECR

Against (1)

1

Czechia ECR

2

Finland ECR

2

Croatia ECR

Against (1)

1

Latvia ECR

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ECR

2
icon: PPE PPE
198

Denmark PPE

Against (1)

1

Lithuania PPE

1

Belgium PPE

For (1)

4

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Cyprus PPE

2

Luxembourg PPE

Against (2)

2

Finland PPE

3

A8-0330/2015 - Peter Eriksson - Am 4 #

2015/12/15 Outcome: -: 406, +: 252, 0: 36
ES PT RO MT IT CY EL DK FR LU BG LT AT EE HR IE SK LV SI FI SE CZ HU BE NL DE GB PL
Total
45
20
31
5
67
6
21
13
66
5
14
10
17
6
11
10
13
7
8
11
19
19
20
21
25
84
70
49
icon: S&D S&D
181

Malta S&D

3

Cyprus S&D

2

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Croatia S&D

2

Ireland S&D

For (1)

1

Latvia S&D

1

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Netherlands S&D

3
icon: ENF ENF
32

Romania ENF

1

Austria ENF

3

Belgium ENF

For (1)

1

Netherlands ENF

3

United Kingdom ENF

Against (1)

1

Poland ENF

2
icon: NI NI
12

France NI

For (1)

1
3

Germany NI

Against (1)

Abstain (1)

2

United Kingdom NI

Against (1)

1

Poland NI

Against (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
45

Portugal GUE/NGL

3

Italy GUE/NGL

3

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2

Denmark GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

Against (1)

4

Finland GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Czechia GUE/NGL

2

Netherlands GUE/NGL

3

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1
icon: EFDD EFDD
41

France EFDD

Against (1)

1

Lithuania EFDD

Abstain (1)

1

Sweden EFDD

2

Czechia EFDD

Against (1)

1

Poland EFDD

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
65

Portugal ALDE

2

Romania ALDE

For (1)

3

Denmark ALDE

3

Luxembourg ALDE

Against (1)

1

Bulgaria ALDE

2
4

Austria ALDE

Against (1)

1

Estonia ALDE

3

Croatia ALDE

For (1)

Against (1)

2

Ireland ALDE

Against (1)

1

Slovenia ALDE

Against (1)

1

United Kingdom ALDE

Against (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
48

Denmark Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Lithuania Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Estonia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Croatia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Sweden Verts/ALE

3

Hungary Verts/ALE

2

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

6
icon: ECR ECR
70

Romania ECR

Against (1)

1

Italy ECR

2

Greece ECR

Against (1)

1

Bulgaria ECR

Against (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

Against (1)

1

Croatia ECR

Against (1)

1

Latvia ECR

Against (1)

1

Finland ECR

2

Czechia ECR

2

Netherlands ECR

2
icon: PPE PPE
199

Cyprus PPE

2

Denmark PPE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

Against (2)

2

Lithuania PPE

1

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Finland PPE

2

A8-0330/2015 - Peter Eriksson - Am 5 #

2015/12/15 Outcome: -: 392, +: 247, 0: 41
ES RO PT MT FR IT CY DK EL LU AT EE LT HR IE SK BG SI LV FI HU SE CZ BE NL DE GB PL
Total
44
31
20
5
66
67
5
13
21
5
16
5
10
11
10
13
13
8
8
11
18
17
19
20
25
83
69
46
icon: S&D S&D
178

Malta S&D

3

Cyprus S&D

2

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Croatia S&D

2

Ireland S&D

For (1)

1

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Latvia S&D

1

Sweden S&D

Abstain (1)

4

Netherlands S&D

3
icon: ENF ENF
32

Romania ENF

1

Austria ENF

3

Belgium ENF

For (1)

1

Netherlands ENF

3

Poland ENF

Against (1)

1
icon: NI NI
11

France NI

For (1)

1

Hungary NI

2

Germany NI

Against (1)

2

United Kingdom NI

Against (1)

1

Poland NI

Against (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
44

Portugal GUE/NGL

3

Italy GUE/NGL

3

Cyprus GUE/NGL

1

Denmark GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

Against (1)

4

Finland GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Czechia GUE/NGL

2

Netherlands GUE/NGL

3

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1
icon: EFDD EFDD
41

France EFDD

Against (1)

1

Lithuania EFDD

Abstain (1)

1

Sweden EFDD

2

Czechia EFDD

Against (1)

1

Poland EFDD

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
66

Romania ALDE

Against (1)

3

Portugal ALDE

2

Denmark ALDE

3

Luxembourg ALDE

Against (1)

1

Austria ALDE

Against (1)

1

Estonia ALDE

3
4

Croatia ALDE

For (1)

Against (1)

2

Ireland ALDE

Against (1)

1

Bulgaria ALDE

2

Slovenia ALDE

Against (1)

1

Latvia ALDE

1

United Kingdom ALDE

Against (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
46

Denmark Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Lithuania Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Croatia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Hungary Verts/ALE

2

Sweden Verts/ALE

3

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

6
icon: ECR ECR
69

Romania ECR

Against (1)

1

Italy ECR

2

Greece ECR

Against (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

Against (1)

1

Croatia ECR

Against (1)

1

Bulgaria ECR

Against (1)

1

Latvia ECR

Against (1)

1

Finland ECR

2

Czechia ECR

2

Belgium ECR

3

Netherlands ECR

2
icon: PPE PPE
192

Cyprus PPE

2

Denmark PPE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

Against (2)

2

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Lithuania PPE

1

Finland PPE

2

A8-0330/2015 - Peter Eriksson - § 31/3 #

2015/12/15 Outcome: +: 572, -: 90, 0: 30
DE IT PL ES RO GB FR NL BE CZ HU SE BG PT SK FI HR AT DK LT LV SI EE LU EL IE MT CY
Total
84
66
49
44
31
69
68
25
21
19
19
19
14
20
13
12
11
17
12
10
8
8
6
5
20
10
5
6
icon: PPE PPE
198

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1

Lithuania PPE

1

Estonia PPE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

2

Cyprus PPE

2
icon: S&D S&D
180

Netherlands S&D

3

Croatia S&D

2

Latvia S&D

1

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1

Ireland S&D

For (1)

1

Malta S&D

3

Cyprus S&D

2
icon: ECR ECR
69

Italy ECR

2

Romania ECR

For (1)

1

Netherlands ECR

2

Czechia ECR

2

Bulgaria ECR

1
2

Croatia ECR

For (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

1

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1

Greece ECR

Against (1)

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
66

Romania ALDE

3

United Kingdom ALDE

1

Bulgaria ALDE

2

Croatia ALDE

2

Austria ALDE

For (1)

1

Denmark ALDE

3

Latvia ALDE

1

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1

Estonia ALDE

3

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
47

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

Hungary Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Sweden Verts/ALE

3

Finland Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Croatia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Lithuania Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1
icon: NI NI
12

Germany NI

Against (1)

2

Poland NI

Abstain (1)

1

United Kingdom NI

For (1)

1

France NI

Against (1)

1
3
icon: EFDD EFDD
40

Poland EFDD

1

France EFDD

Against (1)

1

Czechia EFDD

Against (1)

1

Sweden EFDD

2

Lithuania EFDD

For (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
45

Germany GUE/NGL

For (1)

6

Italy GUE/NGL

3

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

3

Czechia GUE/NGL

2

Sweden GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

3

Finland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Denmark GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

4

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2
icon: ENF ENF
34

Poland ENF

2

Romania ENF

Abstain (1)

1

United Kingdom ENF

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ENF

3

Belgium ENF

Against (1)

1

Austria ENF

3

A8-0330/2015 - Peter Eriksson - Résolution #

2015/12/15 Outcome: +: 630, -: 45, 0: 20
DE IT FR PL RO ES GB BE NL PT CZ SE HU DK BG FI AT SK HR LT IE EL LV SI EE CY LU MT
Total
85
66
68
49
31
44
69
21
25
20
19
19
20
13
14
12
17
13
11
10
10
20
8
8
6
6
5
5
icon: PPE PPE
199

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1

Lithuania PPE

1

Estonia PPE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

2
icon: S&D S&D
180

Netherlands S&D

3

Croatia S&D

2

Ireland S&D

For (1)

1

Latvia S&D

1

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Cyprus S&D

2

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1

Malta S&D

3
icon: ALDE ALDE
66

Romania ALDE

3

United Kingdom ALDE

1

Denmark ALDE

3

Bulgaria ALDE

2

Austria ALDE

For (1)

1

Croatia ALDE

2

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1

Latvia ALDE

1

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1

Estonia ALDE

3

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
70

Italy ECR

2

Romania ECR

For (1)

1

Netherlands ECR

2

Czechia ECR

2

Bulgaria ECR

Against (1)

1
2

Slovakia ECR

Abstain (1)

3

Croatia ECR

For (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

1

Greece ECR

Against (1)

1

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
48

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

Sweden Verts/ALE

3

Hungary Verts/ALE

Against (1)

2

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Croatia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Lithuania Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
45

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

3

Portugal GUE/NGL

3

Czechia GUE/NGL

2

Sweden GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Denmark GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Finland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

4

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2
icon: ENF ENF
34
2

Romania ENF

1

United Kingdom ENF

Against (1)

1

Belgium ENF

For (1)

1

Netherlands ENF

3

Austria ENF

Abstain (1)

3
icon: NI NI
12

Germany NI

2

France NI

For (1)

1

Poland NI

1

United Kingdom NI

For (1)

1
3
icon: EFDD EFDD
40

France EFDD

Against (1)

1

Poland EFDD

1

Czechia EFDD

Against (1)

1

Sweden EFDD

2

Lithuania EFDD

For (1)

1
AmendmentsDossier
228 2015/2108(INI)
2015/08/04 ITRE 205 amendments...
source: 560.878
2015/10/23 ITRE 23 amendments...
source: 569.684

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

docs/0
date
2015-02-25T00:00:00
docs
summary
type
Non-legislative basic document
body
EC
docs/4
date
2015-07-03T00:00:00
docs
url: http://www.connefof.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082
type
Contribution
body
CZ_CHAMBER
docs/5
date
2015-07-02T00:00:00
docs
url: https://connectfolx.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082
type
Contribution
body
CZ_CHAMBER
docs/5
date
2015-07-22T00:00:00
docs
url: http://www.connefof.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082
type
Contribution
body
CZ_SENATE
docs/6
date
2015-07-21T00:00:00
docs
url: https://connectfolx.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082
type
Contribution
body
CZ_SENATE
docs/6
date
2015-10-05T00:00:00
docs
url: http://www.connefof.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082
type
Contribution
body
IT_CHAMBER
docs/7
date
2015-10-04T00:00:00
docs
url: https://connectfolx.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082
type
Contribution
body
IT_CHAMBER
docs/7
date
2015-07-22T00:00:00
docs
url: http://www.connefof.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082
type
Contribution
body
IT_SENATE
docs/8
date
2015-07-21T00:00:00
docs
url: https://connectfolx.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082
type
Contribution
body
IT_SENATE
docs/8
date
2015-07-24T00:00:00
docs
url: http://www.connefof.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082
type
Contribution
body
PT_PARLIAMENT
docs/9
date
2015-07-23T00:00:00
docs
url: https://connectfolx.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082
type
Contribution
body
PT_PARLIAMENT
docs/9
date
2015-10-06T00:00:00
docs
url: http://www.connefof.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082
type
Contribution
body
RO_CHAMBER
docs/10
date
2015-10-05T00:00:00
docs
url: https://connectfolx.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082
type
Contribution
body
RO_CHAMBER
docs/10
date
2015-07-22T00:00:00
docs
url: http://www.connefof.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082
type
Contribution
body
RO_SENATE
docs/11
date
2015-07-21T00:00:00
docs
url: https://connectfolx.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082
type
Contribution
body
RO_SENATE
events/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
committees/0/shadows/3
name
ERNST Cornelia
group
European United Left - Nordic Green Left
abbr
GUE/NGL
docs/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE557.414
New
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/ITRE-PR-557414_EN.html
docs/1/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE560.878
New
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/ITRE-AM-560878_EN.html
docs/2/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE569.684
New
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/ITRE-AM-569684_EN.html
events/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
events/1/type
Old
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
New
Committee referral announced in Parliament
events/2/type
Old
Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
New
Vote in committee
events/3
date
2015-11-17T00:00:00
type
Committee report tabled for plenary
body
EP
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-8-2015-0330_EN.html title: A8-0330/2015
summary
events/3
date
2015-11-17T00:00:00
type
Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
body
EP
docs
url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-8-2015-0330_EN.html title: A8-0330/2015
summary
events/4/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20151214&type=CRE
New
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/CRE-8-2015-12-14-TOC_EN.html
events/6
date
2015-12-15T00:00:00
type
Decision by Parliament
body
EP
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-8-2015-0445_EN.html title: T8-0445/2015
summary
events/6
date
2015-12-15T00:00:00
type
Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
body
EP
docs
url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-8-2015-0445_EN.html title: T8-0445/2015
summary
procedure/Modified legal basis
Rules of Procedure EP 159
procedure/Other legal basis
Rules of Procedure EP 159
committees/0
type
Responsible Committee
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Industry, Research and Energy
committee
ITRE
rapporteur
name: ERIKSSON Peter date: 2015-04-17T00:00:00 group: Greens/European Free Alliance abbr: Verts/ALE
shadows
committees/0
type
Responsible Committee
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Industry, Research and Energy
committee
ITRE
date
2015-04-17T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: ERIKSSON Peter group: Greens/European Free Alliance abbr: Verts/ALE
shadows
docs/3/body
EC
events/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
events/3/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2015-0330&language=EN
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-8-2015-0330_EN.html
events/6/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2015-0445
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-8-2015-0445_EN.html
events/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities
  • date: 2015-02-25T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf title: COM(2015)0082 type: Non-legislative basic document published celexid: CELEX:52015DC0082:EN body: EC commission: DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/energy/index_en.htm title: Energy Commissioner: ŠEFČOVIČ Maroš type: Non-legislative basic document published
  • date: 2015-05-21T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: BENDTSEN Bendt group: S&D name: CABEZÓN RUIZ Soledad group: ECR name: DUNCAN Ian group: ALDE name: TELIČKA Pavel group: EFD name: PAKSAS Rolandas responsible: True committee: ITRE date: 2015-04-17T00:00:00 committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy rapporteur: group: Verts/ALE name: ERIKSSON Peter
  • date: 2015-11-10T00:00:00 body: EP type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: BENDTSEN Bendt group: S&D name: CABEZÓN RUIZ Soledad group: ECR name: DUNCAN Ian group: ALDE name: TELIČKA Pavel group: EFD name: PAKSAS Rolandas responsible: True committee: ITRE date: 2015-04-17T00:00:00 committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy rapporteur: group: Verts/ALE name: ERIKSSON Peter
  • date: 2015-11-17T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2015-0330&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading title: A8-0330/2015 body: EP type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
  • date: 2015-12-14T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20151214&type=CRE type: Debate in Parliament title: Debate in Parliament body: EP type: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2015-12-15T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2015-0445 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T8-0445/2015 body: EP type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
commission
  • body: EC dg: Energy commissioner: ŠEFČOVIČ Maroš
committees/0
type
Responsible Committee
body
EP
associated
False
committee_full
Industry, Research and Energy
committee
ITRE
date
2015-04-17T00:00:00
rapporteur
name: ERIKSSON Peter group: Greens/European Free Alliance abbr: Verts/ALE
shadows
committees/0
body
EP
shadows
responsible
True
committee
ITRE
date
2015-04-17T00:00:00
committee_full
Industry, Research and Energy
rapporteur
group: Verts/ALE name: ERIKSSON Peter
docs
  • date: 2015-06-11T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE557.414 title: PE557.414 type: Committee draft report body: EP
  • date: 2015-08-04T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE560.878 title: PE560.878 type: Amendments tabled in committee body: EP
  • date: 2015-10-23T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE569.684 title: PE569.684 type: Amendments tabled in committee body: EP
  • date: 2016-05-03T00:00:00 docs: url: /oeil/spdoc.do?i=26388&j=0&l=en title: SP(2016)190 type: Commission response to text adopted in plenary
  • date: 2015-07-03T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.connefof.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082 type: Contribution body: CZ_CHAMBER
  • date: 2015-07-22T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.connefof.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082 type: Contribution body: CZ_SENATE
  • date: 2015-10-05T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.connefof.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082 type: Contribution body: IT_CHAMBER
  • date: 2015-07-22T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.connefof.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082 type: Contribution body: IT_SENATE
  • date: 2015-07-24T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.connefof.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082 type: Contribution body: PT_PARLIAMENT
  • date: 2015-10-06T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.connefof.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082 type: Contribution body: RO_CHAMBER
  • date: 2015-07-22T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.connefof.europarl.europa.eu/connefof/app/exp/COM(2015)0082 title: COM(2015)0082 type: Contribution body: RO_SENATE
events
  • date: 2015-02-25T00:00:00 type: Non-legislative basic document published body: EC docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf title: COM(2015)0082 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2015&nu_doc=0082 title: EUR-Lex summary: PURPOSE: to present a strategy for achieving the 10% electricity interconnection target Making Europe's electricity grid fit for 2020. BACKGROUND: energy infrastructure has been high on the European energy agenda. The European Council in October 2014 called for "speedy implementation of all the measures to meet the target of achieving interconnection of at least 10 % of their installed electricity production capacity for all Member States." The integration of the EU's energy markets is delivering tangible results : wholesale electricity prices have declined by one-third; consumers have more choice as energy suppliers compete to deliver lower prices and better services; and the legal framework has improved competition in the sector. Nonetheless, much remains to be done , since: the EU is dependent on imports, infrastructure is outdated and investment lacking ; the retail market is not fully functioning, high final energy prices for citizens and for businesses harming the competitiveness of our companies; there is a need to shift to a low-carbon economy in order to fight climate change as well as challenges to our technological leadership; the EU must overcome its fragmentation of national energy markets. It is for these reasons that the Commission adopted a framework strategy for a resilient Energy Union with a forward-looking climate policy. This Communication is one concrete step in this direction. Twelve Member States, mainly in the periphery of the EU, remain below the 10% electricity interconnection target and are thus isolated from the internal electricity market. The Commission feels that building these interconnections will require the mobilisation of all efforts at all levels, as a matter of urgency, to achieve the common objective of a fully functioning and connected internal energy market. CONTENT: this Communication presents a strategy to ensure the full integration of the internal electricity market through adequate levels of interconnection, which will serve also an integral part of the Energy Union. The benefits of an interconnected energy system : the Commission considers that the interconnection of the electricity markets must be a political priority for the European Union at all levels in the years to come. Interconnecting isolated national electric power systems and building a truly European Electrical System will: allow for more affordable prices in electricity , in the long term due to the higher market efficiency, higher electricity supply security, reliability and quality while ensuring a high standard of environmental protection; reduce energy dependency , through the reduction in the consumption of imported fuels; facilitate new investments in Europe due to the more competitive prices of electricity and the improvement in the competition levels of European industries; lower environmental impact due to the non-built power plants and the reduction of CO2 emissions; unleash a higher potential of growth for the European renewable energy industry and ensure world leadership of the renewable industry. Full implementation of the European regulatory framework : the trans-European energy networks Regulation (TEN-E) addresses for the first time the specific issue of projects that cross borders or that have an impact on cross-border flows. The Commission will ensure full implementation and strict enforcement of its provisions in order to avoid delays in projects. Making full use of all available financial instruments : for electricity projects some EUR 105 billion are needed, out of which some EUR 35 billion for the interconnections which acquired a Project of Common Interest (PCI) status and are necessary to reach the 10% target across the EU. Members States may use support for Projects of Common Interest, through the available financial means, e.g. the Connecting Europe Facility , the European Structural and Investment Funds and the future European Fund for Strategic Investments to assist promoters to implement projects. Speed up interconnection : the interconnection target will be achieved mainly through the implementation of PCIs. The Commission considers that implementation of the PCIs will bring Europe much closer to the achievement of the 10% electricity interconnection target between Member States if the projects envisaged are completed in 2020. Efforts need to be stepped-up for those below the target to achieve 10% by 2020, mainly Spain and Cyprus, through a more coordinated approach and using all tools available To speed up the achievement of the interconnection target the Commission intends to: 1 ) intensify the work of the Regional Groups , established under the TEN-E Regulation, to closely monitor progress of each PCI and to propose corrective and targeted early action when necessary, especially in those Member States furthest away from the 10% target; 2) intensify its support for the critical projects through targeted measures. The Commission will assess project by project to look at any obstacles and risks that might delay construction and take action as necessary such as: bring together the promoters to find solutions to technical, planning, design and implementation issues and facilitate contacts with the EIB and other banks; provide access to technical assistance to better shape the project and make it bankable; work together with ACER and the national regulators to find the best incentives; ensure compliance with the TEN-E Regulation and launch appropriate procedures, in case provisions are not yet implemented, for instance on permit granting; facilitate agreement between Member States to solve political issues. 3) strengthen regional cooperation in order to set out a specific strategy for each region (e.g. Baltic Sea, Iberian Peninsula, the countries surrounding the Northern Seas.) The Commission will issue an annual report to the European Council on implementation of PCIs and progress towards the 10% electricity interconnection target If needed, the Commission will propose further measures in order to achieve this target. In addition, in late 2015 the Commission will convene the first Energy Infrastructure Forum to discuss and find solutions to issues that are common to all regions across Europe and, where relevant, with neighbouring countries.
  • date: 2015-05-21T00:00:00 type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2015-11-10T00:00:00 type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2015-11-17T00:00:00 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2015-0330&language=EN title: A8-0330/2015 summary: The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy adopted the own-initiative report by Peter ERIKSSON (Greens/EFA, SE), following the strategy on achieving the 10 % electricity interconnection target presented by the Commission. Benefits of interconnection : the report recognised that electricity interconnection is one of the key preconditions for completing an integrated internal electricity market , which will help to achieve our climate objectives, including the EU’s aim to be the leader in renewables, and improve the EU’s geopolitical position through greater energy security and independence, as well as reduce energy isolation and the possibility of perturbations in the energy system. Members stressed that a fully integrated internal electricity market would facilitate the electricity trading and increase security and lower the volatility of electricity prices , as it is estimated that EUR 12 to 40 billion could be saved annually by European consumers by 2030. Furthermore, they noted that investments in the necessary interconnection projects which could be as high as EUR 150 billion by 2030, according to the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) – could reduce electricity prices by a minimum of EUR 2 /MWh, and that these investments would allow Europe to cover a large share of its electric load with renewable energy sources. The 10 % electricity interconnection target : Members recognised that the 10 % target – to be achieved by 2020 – was a valuable target. They regretted that twelve Member States, mainly in the periphery of the EU, remain below the 10 % electricity interconnection target and are thus largely isolated from the internal electricity market. They stressed, therefore, that more should be done to assist those Member States whose low level of connectivity hinders the completion of the internal electricity market to meet the target. The committee considered, however, that a single interconnection target based on installed electricity generation capacity is not, on its own, appropriate for all Member States. It was therefore convinced that there is a need in the mid-term, and certainly within the 2030 horizon, to agree upon ambitious and evidence-based complementary interconnection targets, agreed by the regions . It called on the Commission to launch the technical discussion on such parameters. Furthermore, the Commission, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and national regulators were urged to ensure transparency and close monitoring of the accessibility of the interconnectors in order to prevent bottlenecks that hinder the functioning of the electricity market and to secure the operation of electricity systems. A holistic approach : underlining that reinforcements of national grids are imperative if interconnections are to be used to full capacity, the report insisted that a holistic approach should be taken when assessing the need for reinforcement/extension of cross-border and national connections, with the aim of making the best possible use of the existing interconnection lines and the capacity of existing national infrastructure. Recalling the importance of a well-designed transmission and distribution smart grid , Members called for a thorough assessment to define which combination of actions – including building new transmission lines, developing local smart grids, and integrating efficiency and flexibility in the system – is the most optimal, given the specific situation. They also stressed that the benefits of raising the interconnection level cannot be accomplished without a high level of coupling of markets and transmission system operators (TSOs). The Commission was asked to make all efforts to prevent that coupling being established at Member States grouping level and to promote coupling at EU level that includes all Member States and neighbours, in particular the countries taking part in the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The report underlined the fact that the list of projects of common interest (PCI) must be developed in a more transparent and accountable way. It recalled the need to provide complete assessments, including economic, social and environmental impacts, conducted by qualified experts that are fully independent from the project promoter. The overall process should be optimised by promoting more engagement from Parliament and other stakeholders, including civil society representatives. Permit granting process : stressing that the lengthy permit granting procedure is a major challenge for new high-voltage lines in Europe, the report called on Member States to facilitate speedier processes whilst maintaining an adequate level of guarantees for the public interest. It welcomed, in this regard, the evaluation of the ‘one-stop-shop’-approach by the Commission to take place in 2017, and encouraged the Commission, in this framework, to assess the potential of a single ‘one-stop shop’ at EU level. ACER’s role : Members asked the EU budgetary authority to provide the agency with the necessary resources, in particular sufficient own staff, in order to allow the agency to fulfil adequately the tasks assigned to it by legislation. Financial instruments : Members noted the Commission’s estimate that EUR 35 billion of financing is necessary to reach the 10 % target by 2020 across all Member States. They recalled that the major part of the financial assistance within the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) energy envelope should be made available for electricity projects, and insists that the Commission give due consideration to that fact. Special attention must be given to projects that address the most significant gaps in the integrated EU electricity market and the lack of sufficient interconnectivity. The Commission was asked to: (i) encourage investments in the best available technology , which can be costlier but offers considerable life-cycle financial advantages as well as time savings and technology leadership advantages in the long run; (ii) conduct a review of the financing rules with the aim of streamlining the existing mechanisms; and (iii) strengthen incentives for further investments in the grid. Regional cooperation : amongst other observations and recommendations, the report: asked Member States concerned to take the necessary steps to initiate a formal procedure for the extension of the synchronous Continental European Network towards the Baltic states; called on the Commission and Member States for strong political support and endorsement of the North Sea Offshore Grid ; highlighted that the shared electricity market between Austria and Germany is furthering the implementation of an integrated European energy market; stressed that Central and South-Eastern Europe (CSEE) is endowed with a vast – and largely untapped – potential in terms of renewables, and that the high dependence of Central and South-Eastern Europe on energy imports means that it is vital to increase cross-border electricity capacity; stressed the importance of significantly increasing interconnection between Spain and France. Beyond 2020 : noting the development of renewable energy sources across the continent, Members recommended that the 15 % target, based on installed capacity for 2030, should not stand alone , and that is should be assessed carefully and thoroughly to ensure that it is fit for purpose and is pertinent and feasible. They asked the Commission, therefore, to assess the setting of regional, complementary targets and to find better qualitative and quantitative benchmarks, such as trade flows, peak flows and bottlenecks, that highlight how much interconnection is needed. The report also stressed the need to derive a future electricity interconnection target on the basis of the EU’s long-term climate goals , and of the sustainable energy system that the EU is looking for.
  • date: 2015-12-14T00:00:00 type: Debate in Parliament body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20151214&type=CRE title: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2015-12-15T00:00:00 type: Results of vote in Parliament body: EP docs: url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=26388&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2015-12-15T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2015-0445 title: T8-0445/2015 summary: The European Parliament adopted by 630 votes to 45 with 20 abstentions, a legislative resolution on achieving the 10 % electricity interconnection target – making Europe’s electricity grid fit for 2020, following the Commission communication on the subject. Benefits of interconnection : Parliament welcomed the Commission communication and strategy while recognising that electricity interconnection is one of the key preconditions for completing an integrated internal electricity market. This will help to achieve our climate objectives, including the EU’s aim to be the leader in renewables, and improve the EU’s geopolitical position through greater energy security and independence, as well as reduce energy isolation and the possibility of perturbations in the energy system. The following advantages were underlined: a substantially increased interconnectivity of the European network leads to a more resilient and robust network , better prepared to deal with all kinds of alterations and disruptions, and allows the growing share of power from renewable sources to blend efficiently into the European network; a fully integrated internal electricity market would facilitate the electricity trading and increase security and lower the volatility of electricity prices, as it is estimated that EUR 12 to 40 billion could be saved annually by European consumers by 2030; investments in the necessary interconnection projects which could be as high as EUR 150 billion by 2030, according to the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) – could reduce electricity prices by a minimum of EUR 2 /MWh, and that these investments would allow Europe to cover a large share of its electric load with renewable energy sources. Parliament stressed that the phasing out of regulated energy prices for consumers should take into account the real level of market competition and that the Energy Union Strategy should insure that consumers have access to affordable, safe and sustainable energy prices. The 10 % electricity interconnection target : Parliament recognised that the 10 % target – to be achieved by 2020 – was a valuable target. It regretted that twelve Member States, mainly in the periphery of the EU, remain below the 10 % electricity interconnection target and are thus largely isolated from the internal electricity market. It stressed, therefore, that more should be done to assist those Member States whose low level of connectivity hinders the completion of the internal electricity market to meet the target. Members considered, however, that a single interconnection target based on installed electricity generation capacity is not, on its own, appropriate for all Member States. They were therefore convinced that there is a need in the mid-term, and certainly within the 2030 horizon, to agree upon ambitious and evidence-based complementary interconnection targets, agreed by the regions . Parliament called on the Commission to launch the technical discussion on such parameters. Furthermore, the Commission, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and national regulators were urged to ensure transparency and close monitoring of the accessibility of the interconnectors in order to prevent bottlenecks that hinder the functioning of the electricity market and to secure the operation of electricity systems. A holistic approach : underlining that reinforcements of national grids are imperative if interconnections are to be used to full capacity, Parliament insisted on the importance of: adopting a holistic approach when assessing the need for reinforcement/extension of cross-border and national connections, with the aim of making the best possible use of the existing interconnection lines and the capacity of existing national infrastructure; having a well-designed transmission and distribution smart grid : Members called for a thorough assessment to define which combination of actions – including building new transmission lines, developing local smart grids, and integrating efficiency and flexibility in the system – is the most optimal, given the specific situation; raising the interconnection level, which cannot be accomplished without a high level of coupling of markets and transmission system operators (TSOs). The Commission was asked to make all efforts to prevent that coupling being established at Member States grouping level and to promote coupling at EU level that includes all Member States and neighbours, in particular the countries taking part in the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP); developing the list of projects of common interest (PCI) must be developed in a more transparent and accountable way: complete assessments, including economic, social and environmental impacts, must be conducted by qualified experts that are fully independent from the project promoter. The overall process should be optimised by promoting more engagement from Parliament and other stakeholders, including civil society representatives. Parliament stressed the role of the Commission as guardian of an unbundled and accessible electricity market and facilitator of a decentralised energy system, in which Member States enable smaller suppliers, in particular prosumers who use renewable energy resources, to access the grid. Members invited the Commission to report annually to Parliament on the implementation of PCIs and on progress to reach the 10 % target, as part of the annual stocktaking foreseen in the Strategic Framework for the Energy Union. Permit granting process : stressing that the lengthy permit granting procedure is a major challenge for new high-voltage lines in Europe, Parliament called on Member States to facilitate speedier processes whilst maintaining an adequate level of guarantees for the public interest. It welcomed, in this regard, the evaluation of the ‘one-stop-shop’-approach by the Commission to take place in 2017, and encouraged the Commission, in this framework, to assess the potential of a single ‘one-stop shop’ at EU level. ACER’s role : Members asked the EU budgetary authority to provide the agency with the necessary resources, in particular sufficient own staff, in order to allow the agency to fulfil adequately the tasks assigned to it by legislation. They called on the Commission to carry out an independent audit, by the end of 2016 at the latest, on the resources available to, and the degree of independence achieved so far by, all national energy regulators, including the identification of recommendations on how to improve the situation. Financial instruments : the Commission estimated that EUR 35 billion of financing is necessary to reach the 10 % target by 2020 across all Member States. Members recalled that the major part of the financial assistance within the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) energy envelope should be made available for electricity projects, and insists that the Commission give due consideration to that fact. Special attention must be given to projects that address the most significant gaps in the integrated EU electricity market and the lack of sufficient interconnectivity. The Commission was asked to: (i) encourage investments in the best available technology , which can be costlier but offers considerable life-cycle financial advantages as well as time savings and technology leadership advantages in the long run; (ii) conduct a review of the financing rules with the aim of streamlining the existing mechanisms; and (iii) strengthen incentives for further investments in the grid. Regional cooperation : amongst other observations and recommendations, the resolution: asked Member States concerned to take the necessary steps to initiate a formal procedure for the extension of the synchronous Continental European Network towards the Baltic states; called on the Commission and Member States for strong political support and endorsement of the North Sea Offshore Grid ; highlighted that the shared electricity market between Austria and Germany is furthering the implementation of an integrated European energy market; stressed that Central and South-Eastern Europe (CSEE) is endowed with a vast – and largely untapped – potential in terms of renewables, and that the high dependence of Central and South-Eastern Europe on energy imports means that it is vital to increase cross-border electricity capacity; stressed the importance of significantly increasing interconnection between Spain and France. Beyond 2020 : noting the development of renewable energy sources across the continent, Parliament recommended that the 15 % target, based on installed capacity for 2030, should not stand alone , and that it should be assessed carefully and thoroughly to ensure that it is fit for purpose and is pertinent and feasible. It asked the Commission, therefore, to assess the setting of regional, complementary targets and to find better qualitative and quantitative benchmarks, such as trade flows, peak flows and bottlenecks, that highlight how much interconnection is needed. Members also stressed the need to derive a future electricity interconnection target on the basis of the EU’s long-term climate goals , and of the sustainable energy system that the EU is looking for.
  • date: 2015-12-15T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
links
other
  • body: EC dg: url: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/energy/index_en.htm title: Energy commissioner: ŠEFČOVIČ Maroš
procedure/Modified legal basis
Old
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 150
New
Rules of Procedure EP 159
procedure/dossier_of_the_committee
Old
ITRE/8/03482
New
  • ITRE/8/03482
procedure/legal_basis/0
Rules of Procedure EP 54
procedure/legal_basis/0
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 052
procedure/subject
Old
  • 3.60.03 Gas, electricity, natural gas, biogas
  • 3.60.06 Trans-European energy networks
  • 3.60.10 Security of energy supply
New
3.60.03
Gas, electricity, natural gas, biogas
3.60.06
Trans-European energy networks
3.60.10
Security of energy supply
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/4/docs
  • url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20151214&type=CRE type: Debate in Parliament title: Debate in Parliament
activities/5/docs
  • url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2015-0445 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T8-0445/2015
activities/5/type
Old
Vote in plenary scheduled
New
Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Awaiting Parliament 1st reading / single reading / budget 1st stage
New
Procedure completed
activities/4/type
Old
Debate in plenary scheduled
New
Debate in Parliament
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/3/docs/0/text
  • The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy adopted the own-initiative report by Peter ERIKSSON (Greens/EFA, SE), following the strategy on achieving the 10 % electricity interconnection target presented by the Commission.

    Benefits of interconnection: the report recognised that electricity interconnection is one of the key preconditions for completing an integrated internal electricity market, which will help to achieve our climate objectives, including the EU’s aim to be the leader in renewables, and improve the EU’s geopolitical position through greater energy security and independence, as well as reduce energy isolation and the possibility of perturbations in the energy system.

    Members stressed that a fully integrated internal electricity market would facilitate the electricity trading and increase security and lower the volatility of electricity prices, as it is estimated that EUR 12 to 40 billion could be saved annually by European consumers by 2030.

    Furthermore, they noted that investments in the necessary interconnection projects which could be as high as EUR 150 billion by 2030, according to the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) – could reduce electricity prices by a minimum of EUR 2 /MWh, and that these investments would allow Europe to cover a large share of its electric load with renewable energy sources.

    The 10 % electricity interconnection target: Members recognised that the 10 % target – to be achieved by 2020 – was a valuable target. They regretted that twelve Member States, mainly in the periphery of the EU, remain below the 10 % electricity interconnection target and are thus largely isolated from the internal electricity market. They stressed, therefore, that more should be done to assist those Member States whose low level of connectivity hinders the completion of the internal electricity market to meet the target.

    The committee considered, however, that a single interconnection target based on installed electricity generation capacity is not, on its own, appropriate for all Member States. It was therefore convinced that there is a need in the mid-term, and certainly within the 2030 horizon, to agree upon ambitious and evidence-based complementary interconnection targets, agreed by the regions. It called on the Commission to launch the technical discussion on such parameters. Furthermore, the Commission, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and national regulators were urged to ensure transparency and close monitoring of the accessibility of the interconnectors in order to prevent bottlenecks that hinder the functioning of the electricity market and to secure the operation of electricity systems.

    A holistic approach: underlining that reinforcements of national grids are imperative if interconnections are to be used to full capacity, the report insisted that a holistic approach should be taken when assessing the need for reinforcement/extension of cross-border and national connections, with the aim of making the best possible use of the existing interconnection lines and the capacity of existing national infrastructure.

    Recalling the importance of a well-designed transmission and distribution smart grid, Members called for a thorough assessment to define which combination of actions – including building new transmission lines, developing local smart grids, and integrating efficiency and flexibility in the system – is the most optimal, given the specific situation.

    They also stressed that the benefits of raising the interconnection level cannot be accomplished without a high level of coupling of markets and transmission system operators (TSOs). The Commission was asked to make all efforts to prevent that coupling being established at Member States grouping level and to promote coupling at EU level that includes all Member States and neighbours, in particular the countries taking part in the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).

    The report underlined the fact that the list of projects of common interest (PCI) must be developed in a more transparent and accountable way. It recalled the need to provide complete assessments, including economic, social and environmental impacts, conducted by qualified experts that are fully independent from the project promoter. The overall process should be optimised by promoting more engagement from Parliament and other stakeholders, including civil society representatives.

    Permit granting process: stressing that the lengthy permit granting procedure is a major challenge for new high-voltage lines in Europe, the report called on Member States to facilitate speedier processes whilst maintaining an adequate level of guarantees for the public interest.

    It welcomed, in this regard, the evaluation of the ‘one-stop-shop’-approach by the Commission to take place in 2017, and encouraged the Commission, in this framework, to assess the potential of a single ‘one-stop shop’ at EU level.

    ACER’s role: Members asked the EU budgetary authority to provide the agency with the necessary resources, in particular sufficient own staff, in order to allow the agency to fulfil adequately the tasks assigned to it by legislation.

    Financial instruments: Members noted the Commission’s estimate that EUR 35 billion of financing is necessary to reach the 10 % target by 2020 across all Member States. They recalled that the major part of the financial assistance within the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) energy envelope should be made available for electricity projects, and insists that the Commission give due consideration to that fact. Special attention must be given to projects that address the most significant gaps in the integrated EU electricity market and the lack of sufficient interconnectivity.

    The Commission was asked to: (i) encourage investments in the best available technology, which can be costlier but offers considerable life-cycle financial advantages as well as time savings and technology leadership advantages in the long run; (ii) conduct a review of the financing rules with the aim of streamlining the existing mechanisms; and (iii) strengthen incentives for further investments in the grid.

    Regional cooperation: amongst other observations and recommendations, the report:

    • asked Member States concerned to take the necessary steps to initiate a formal procedure for the extension of the synchronous Continental European Network towards the Baltic states;
    • called on the Commission and Member States for strong political support and endorsement of the North Sea Offshore Grid;
    • highlighted that the shared electricity market between Austria and Germany is furthering the implementation of an integrated European energy market; 
    • stressed that Central and South-Eastern Europe (CSEE) is endowed with a vast – and largely untapped – potential in terms of renewables, and that the high dependence of Central and South-Eastern Europe on energy imports means that it is vital to increase cross-border electricity capacity;
    • stressed the importance of significantly increasing interconnection between Spain and France.

    Beyond 2020: noting the development of renewable energy sources across the continent, Members recommended that the 15 % target, based on installed capacity for 2030, should not stand alone, and that is should be assessed carefully and thoroughly to ensure that it is fit for purpose and is pertinent and feasible. They asked the Commission, therefore, to assess the setting of regional, complementary targets and to find better qualitative and quantitative benchmarks, such as trade flows, peak flows and bottlenecks, that highlight how much interconnection is needed.

    The report also stressed the need to derive a future electricity interconnection target on the basis of the EU’s long-term climate goals, and of the sustainable energy system that the EU is looking for.

activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/3/docs
  • url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2015-0330&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading title: A8-0330/2015
activities/4/type
Old
Indicative plenary sitting date, 1st reading/single reading
New
Debate in plenary scheduled
activities/5
date
2015-12-15T00:00:00
body
EP
type
Vote in plenary scheduled
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/3
date
2015-11-17T00:00:00
body
EP
type
Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Awaiting committee decision
New
Awaiting Parliament 1st reading / single reading / budget 1st stage
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/2/committees
  • body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: BENDTSEN Bendt group: S&D name: CABEZÓN RUIZ Soledad group: ECR name: DUNCAN Ian group: ALDE name: TELIČKA Pavel group: EFD name: PAKSAS Rolandas responsible: True committee: ITRE date: 2015-04-17T00:00:00 committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy rapporteur: group: Verts/ALE name: ERIKSSON Peter
activities/2/type
Old
Vote scheduled in committee, 1st reading/single reading
New
Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
procedure/Modified legal basis
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 150
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/celexid
CELEX:52015DC0082:EN
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/2
date
2015-11-10T00:00:00
body
EP
type
Vote scheduled in committee, 1st reading/single reading
activities/3/date
Old
2015-11-23T00:00:00
New
2015-12-14T00:00:00
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/2
date
2015-11-23T00:00:00
body
EP
type
Indicative plenary sitting date, 1st reading/single reading
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to present a strategy for achieving the 10% electricity interconnection target Making Europe's electricity grid fit for 2020.

    BACKGROUND: energy infrastructure has been high on the European energy agenda. The European Council in October 2014 called for "speedy implementation of all the measures to meet the target of achieving interconnection of at least 10 % of their installed electricity production capacity for all Member States."

    The integration of the EU's energy markets is delivering tangible results: wholesale electricity prices have declined by one-third; consumers have more choice as energy suppliers compete to deliver lower prices and better services; and the legal framework has improved competition in the sector.

    Nonetheless, much remains to be done, since:

    • the EU is dependent on imports, infrastructure is outdated and investment lacking ;
    • the retail market is not fully functioning, high final energy prices for citizens and for businesses harming the competitiveness of our companies;
    • there is a  need to shift to a low-carbon economy in order to fight climate change as well as challenges to our technological leadership;
    • the EU must overcome its fragmentation of national energy markets.

    It is for these reasons that the Commission adopted a framework strategy for a resilient Energy Union with a forward-looking climate policy.  This Communication is one concrete step in this direction.

    Twelve Member States, mainly in the periphery of the EU, remain below the 10% electricity interconnection target and are thus isolated from the internal electricity market. The Commission feels that building these interconnections will require the mobilisation of all efforts at all levels, as a matter of urgency, to achieve the common objective of a fully functioning and connected internal energy market.

    CONTENT: this Communication presents a strategy to ensure the full integration of the internal electricity market through adequate levels of interconnection, which will serve also an integral part of the Energy Union.

    The benefits of an interconnected energy system: the Commission considers that the interconnection of the electricity markets must be a political priority for the European Union at all levels in the years to come. Interconnecting isolated national electric power systems and building a truly European Electrical System will:

    • allow for more affordable prices in electricity, in the long term  due to the higher market efficiency, higher electricity supply security, reliability and quality while ensuring a high standard of environmental protection;
    • reduce energy dependency, through the reduction in the consumption of imported fuels;
    • facilitate new investments in Europe due to the more competitive prices of electricity and the improvement in the competition levels of European industries;
    • lower environmental impact due to the non-built power plants and the reduction of CO2 emissions;
    • unleash a higher potential of growth for the European renewable energy industry and ensure world leadership of the renewable industry.

    Full implementation of the European regulatory framework: the trans-European energy networks  Regulation (TEN-E) addresses for the first time the specific issue of projects that cross borders or that have an impact on cross-border flows.  The Commission will ensure full implementation and strict enforcement of its provisions in order to avoid delays in projects.

    Making full use of all available financial instruments: for electricity projects some EUR 105 billion are needed, out of which some EUR 35 billion for the interconnections which acquired a Project of Common Interest (PCI) status and are necessary to reach the 10% target across the EU.

    Members States may use support for Projects of Common Interest, through the available financial means, e.g. the Connecting Europe Facility, the European Structural and Investment Funds and the future European Fund for Strategic Investments to assist promoters to implement projects.

    Speed up interconnection: the interconnection target will be achieved mainly through the implementation of PCIs. The Commission considers that implementation of the PCIs will bring Europe much closer to the achievement of the 10% electricity interconnection target between Member States if the projects envisaged are completed in 2020. Efforts need to be stepped-up for those below the target to achieve 10% by 2020, mainly Spain and Cyprus, through a more coordinated approach and using all tools available

    To speed up the achievement of the interconnection target the Commission intends to:

    1) intensify the work of the Regional Groups, established under the TEN-E Regulation, to closely monitor progress of each PCI and to propose corrective and targeted early action when necessary, especially in those Member States furthest away from the 10% target;

    2) intensify its support for the critical projects through targeted measures. The Commission will assess project by project to look at any obstacles and risks that might delay construction and take action as necessary such as:

    • bring together the promoters to find solutions to technical, planning, design and implementation issues and facilitate contacts with the EIB and other banks;
    • provide access to technical assistance to better shape the project and make it bankable;
    • work together with ACER and the national regulators to find the best incentives;
    • ensure compliance with the TEN-E Regulation and launch appropriate procedures, in case provisions are not yet implemented, for instance on permit granting;
    • facilitate agreement between Member States to solve political issues.

    3) strengthen regional cooperation in order to set out a specific strategy for each region (e.g. Baltic Sea, Iberian Peninsula, the countries surrounding the Northern Seas.)

    The Commission will issue an annual report to the European Council on implementation of PCIs and progress towards the 10% electricity interconnection target If needed, the Commission will propose further measures in order to achieve this target. In addition, in late 2015 the Commission will convene the first Energy Infrastructure Forum to discuss and find solutions to issues that are common to all regions across Europe and, where relevant, with neighbouring countries.

activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/commission/0
DG
Commissioner
ŠEFČOVIČ Maroš
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
other/0
body
EC
dg
commissioner
ŠEFČOVIČ Maroš
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/celexid
CELEX:52015DC0082:EN
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf
activities
  • date: 2015-02-25T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2015/0082/COM_COM(2015)0082_EN.pdf title: COM(2015)0082 type: Non-legislative basic document published celexid: CELEX:52015DC0082:EN type: Non-legislative basic document published body: EC commission:
  • date: 2015-05-21T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: BENDTSEN Bendt group: S&D name: CABEZÓN RUIZ Soledad group: ECR name: DUNCAN Ian group: ALDE name: TELIČKA Pavel group: EFD name: PAKSAS Rolandas responsible: True committee: ITRE date: 2015-04-17T00:00:00 committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy rapporteur: group: Verts/ALE name: ERIKSSON Peter
committees
  • body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: BENDTSEN Bendt group: S&D name: CABEZÓN RUIZ Soledad group: ECR name: DUNCAN Ian group: ALDE name: TELIČKA Pavel group: EFD name: PAKSAS Rolandas responsible: True committee: ITRE date: 2015-04-17T00:00:00 committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy rapporteur: group: Verts/ALE name: ERIKSSON Peter
links
other
    procedure
    dossier_of_the_committee
    ITRE/8/03482
    reference
    2015/2108(INI)
    title
    Achieving the 10% electricity interconnection target - Making Europe's electricity grid fit for 2020
    legal_basis
    Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 052
    stage_reached
    Awaiting committee decision
    subtype
    Initiative
    type
    INI - Own-initiative procedure
    subject