In the wake of the recent widespread blackout in the Iberian Peninsula, of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy have emphasized the importance of a more coordinated and fully pan-European electricity system planning to better connect borders, sectors, and regions. 5o6a13

They assert that renewable energy sources must be better integrated into electricity grids and that more cross-border interconnections are needed. Public acceptance and effective communication with citizens are crucial for the successful implementation of new grid projects.

MEPs have proposed various measures to improve the resilience of Europe's electricity grid, integrate renewable energy sources, and streamline processes to meet the EU’s energy targets.

In adopted proposals, MEPs presented ways to modernize Europe’s electricity grid infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for renewable energy, ensure a decarbonized and resilient power system, and the EU's energy goals.

The adopted text calls for the implementation of an EU grid action plan and highlights the need for significant investments and infrastructure upgrades to modernize and expand cross-border transmission capacity.

MEPs stress that major investments and upgrades are required to increase both cross-border and national transmission capacity and to modernize infrastructure. This includes the need for stronger oversight by authorities to ensure a decarbonized, flexible, and resilient electricity system.

The report calls for clearer and more effective rules and procedures to attract private investment, in addition to public funding mechanisms, and to ensure that grid tariffs reflect actual costs. It highlights the urgent need for investment to address grid bottlenecks and avoid the deliberate curtailment of renewable energy production due to limited grid capacity.

MEPs emphasize the need for more coordinated and fully pan-European system planning to better connect borders, sectors, and regions. They reiterate the necessity of integrating renewables into the grid more effectively and increasing cross-border interconnections. Securing public acceptance and communicating effectively with citizens is key to the success of future grid projects.

The report was adopted with 52 votes in favor, nine against, and two abstentions. It will be put to a vote in the full chamber during the plenary session from 16 to 19 June 2025 in Strasbourg.

According to the European Commission, €584 billion in investment is needed for electricity grids this decade. This includes cross-border interconnectors and upgrading distribution networks to the energy transition.

Austrian MEP Anna Sturgkh stated: “The blackout in the Iberian Peninsula was a painful demonstration of the vulnerability of our grids. It was a reminder that the European energy transition will fail unless we invest in infrastructure with the same strategy as we do in renewables. The blackout did not reveal the failure of the Energy Union, but quite the opposite. Thanks to cross-border interconnectors, was able to step in immediately. Now the Commission must act decisively to prioritize planning and coordination for grids and storage – or we will continue stumbling from one crisis to another.”