ENERGY COUNCIL ON THE GRIDS PACKAGE
Energy ministers are set to hold a policy debate on the the European Grids Package at the Energy Council meeting on 16 March, with discussions expected to focus in part on measures to accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure across Europe.
The Commission’s proposal includes new provisions aimed at simplifying and speeding up permitting procedures for charging stations. According to an initial compromise proposal from the Cypriot Presidency of the Council, the Commission’s approach remains largely unchanged at this stage. The proposal would remove most administrative authorisations for charging stations with a total installed capacity of 100 kW or less, with the exception of the permit required for connection to the electricity grid.
For charging stations with a capacity exceeding 100 kW, the proposal introduces a maximum permitting period of six months, covering all necessary approvals including grid connection. The measures are intended to accelerate the rollout of charging infrastructure, which is widely seen as a critical enabler for the electrification of transport and the broader energy transition.
During the ministerial lunch, energy ministers will also be joined by the Director-General of the European Investment Bank to discuss how investments in clean energy can be accelerated in order to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and support the transition to a more sustainable energy system. The EP and the Council are likely to establish their respective positions towards the end of 2026.