ITRE COMMITTEE CALLS FOR ACCELERATING PERMITTING PROCEDURES FOR CHARGING STATIONS
On 2 July 2026, Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy (ITRE) adopted their position on the European Commission’s proposal to accelerate permit-granting procedures of energy infrastructure projects, which it had tabled in late 2025.
Their amendments remove administrative authorisation requirements for charging stations with a total installed capacity of ≤ 200 kW (compared with the Council’s proposed threshold of 100 kW), except for the grid connection permit, for which the approval procedure may not exceed 3 months (Council: 6 months).
For charging stations with a higher installed capacity, MEPs propose a maximum deadline of 6 months for granting permits, including for grid connection, echoing the Council’s position, which proposes that Member States may extend that period by another six months under extraordinary circumstances. The requirement to carry out an environmental assessment is removed regardless of the charging station’s capacity (whereas the Council provides this exception only for smaller charging stations), except for installations located in Natura 2000 sites or other protected areas.
The report also provides for Member States to establish a single digital portal covering all stages of the authorisation procedures for charging station projects. It would serve as a one-stop shop for applicants and ensure coordinated handling of applications by all competent authorities.
Source: European Parliament