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Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 29. října 2026
Main results
Energy ministers met in Luxembourg to debate the proposed regulation on electricity network charges. They exchanged views on energy security in the immediate and longer term and examined future energy targets for the post-2030 framework.
Energy security, affordability and resilience are inseparable. To protect households and businesses from soaring bills, Europe must accelerate the deployment of clean energy, while taking necessary short-term measures to alleviate pressure. We can deliver secure, sustainable and affordable energy by taking decisive steps to accelerate electrification, deepen grid interconnection, and strengthen resilience – this is the focus of the Irish presidency.
Darragh O’Brien, Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment
Network charges
Energy ministers discussed a proposal for a regulation on future-proofing electricity bills in the EU by reducing system costs and fostering electrification and digitalisation. The proposal was presented by the Commission on 17 July 2026 as a targeted measure to bring down electricity prices, and it amends the electricity market regulation. It is also a key priority under the ‘One Europe, One Market’ joint roadmap.
The proposed regulation focuses on improving the design of grid tariffs to make grid usage more transparent and cost-effective. It aims to support the deployment of smart grids and smart meters, and proposes a more electricity-friendly taxation framework, providing that excise tax on electricity should not be higher than excise tax on natural gas.
Ministers broadly agreed on the need to reduce overall system costs and to make the best possible use of existing grids, while requesting greater flexibility in developing their tariff methodology at national level to take into account specific circumstances. They also shared their views on the proposed taxation measures intended to incentivise electrification.
This debate provided guidance for the way forward on the proposed regulation and steered the ongoing technical work, with a view to reaching a general approach at the December Energy Council.
The Council examined the EU's energy security outlook for the coming winter season (2026‑2027) and beyond.
Following up on the October European Council conclusions, the discussion addressed supply and price pressures caused by the continued global geopolitical uncertainty. Ministers commented on lessons learnt from EU coordination in responding to energy impacts resulting from the Middle East conflict. In this context, the Council discussed the EU’s preparedness ahead of the winter season.
Energy ministers broadly supported the need to enhance energy security. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and investing in homegrown clean energy is essential for this, while diversification reduces exposure to external shocks. Ministers repeatedly stressed the importance of close EU coordination, information sharing, and solidarity, particularly in supporting Ukraine and Moldova.
The Council also stressed the need to tackle longer‑term challenges and to enhance the resilience of energy infrastructure against climate-related risks.
Dorin Junghietu, Moldovan energy minister, participated in the discussion.
How much gas have the EU countries stored? (infographic)
Where does the EU's gas come from?
Where does the EU get its oil from?
Post-2030 framework: energy targets
The Council discussed potential future targets for energy efficiency and resilience, electrification, flexibility and interconnection to be embedded in the post-2030 framework, in order to align with the EU's 2040 climate target and 2050 climate neutrality objective.
Many ministers stressed the need to set energy efficiency targets, using energy intensity, final energy consumption or energy savings as potential indicators. Ministers broadly supported increased electrification and interconnection across the EU. Energy security and resilience were identified as prominent elements across the entire post-2030 framework.
Energy ministers concurred that the post-2030 framework needs ambitious, implementable and up-to-date targets that are suited to the current and future geopolitical and socioeconomic reality. In this context, many of them called for simplification and flexibility in their delivery.
Fit for 55: how the EU will become more energy-efficient (infographic)
Fit for 55: how the EU plans to boost renewable energy (infographic)
Informal lunch: investment roadmaps for energy transition
Ahead of the upcoming revision of the governance regulation, ministers informally discussed how national energy and climate plans – a significant pillar of the regulation – can become real investment plans, in order to leverage the much-needed public and private capital required for the EU to be able to meet its energy and climate targets.
France informed ministers about a joint declaration on collective action to stabilise diesel markets.
Belgium publicly called for a European framework on CO2 transportation infrastructure and markets. Background note
In public session, Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Slovakia raised the need for a long-term vision on the resilience and competitiveness of the European refineries. Background note
Bulgaria and Slovakia publicly informed ministers about the declaration of the fuel industry associations signed on 8 October in Sofia. Background note
Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Latvia and Poland publicly addressed the issue of high-voltage electrical switchgear and the urgent need to adopt a delegated act under the regulation on the ecodesign for sustainable products. Background note
The Commission presented its annual progress report on simplification in the energy and housing sectors. 2026 annual progress report
