The foundations of energy security are ensured by well-functioning, interconnected, and efficient energy markets that allow energy to flow where it is most needed. The EU’s dependence on fossil fuel imports means that energy security also has a strong geopolitical dimension. To further strengthen energy security, the EU has built a comprehensive architecture that includes measures to guarantee the security of gas supplies and preparedness for electricity-related risks.
Energy security is of vital importance for economic competitiveness. The Action Plan for Affordable Energy highlights the need to review the regulatory framework in order to increase the resilience of the EU’s energy system against geopolitical tensions, cyberattacks, deliberate assaults, and extreme weather events that threaten security.
The European Commission has announced a four-week call for contributions regarding the future energy security framework.
The review of the EU energy security framework is based on the following considerations, substantiated by the preliminary findings of the fitness check:
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Lack of operational readiness, particularly with regard to emergency provisions. The fitness check found that the framework is not sufficient to prepare the EU for severe supply disruptions. A good example of this is the fact that additional emergency measures had to be adopted to tackle the energy crisis caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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A distinct lack of cross-sector interaction. Security frameworks for gas and electricity supplies often operate in isolation. Potential side effects are not taken into account, and the result is potentially weaker protection for end-users. The close interlinkage between the gas and electricity sectors became evident during the energy crisis of 2021–2023.
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The energy transition towards a decarbonized energy system will be marked by increased electrification, the expansion of renewable energy sources, and the emergence of new carriers, such as renewable and low-carbon hydrogen. By contrast, demand for natural gas will decrease – particularly for heating and cooling. At present, the energy security framework is not adapted to this profound transformation of the system.
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Limited of cross-border consideration undermines the EU’s collective preparedness for shocks as well as its ability to respond to a potential crisis. Member States still largely define their national energy security policies in isolation from one another, even though the EU’s internal energy market is increasingly interconnected and integrated.
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New multi-faceted threats are endangering the integrity of critical energy infrastructures, including from third-country actors (e.g., suppliers of clean technology equipment or investors in the EU energy sector). Climate-related impacts on critical energy infrastructure and energy consumption are becoming increasingly serious, but are not fully addressed in the current framework. Moreover, growing risks of cyber and physical attacks against energy infrastructure must be further mitigated through full implementation of existing frameworks and the adoption of additional sector-specific rules tailored to the energy sector.
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Persistent energy-related dependencies threaten the EU’s energy security despite active diversification policies in recent years (e.g., AggregateEU). In the context of geopolitical instability, new risks are emerging, such as disruptions to supply chains for critical raw materials, technologies, and energy carriers necessary for the transition to climate neutrality.
Energy crises have cross-border consequences that must be addressed jointly in an increasingly interconnected EU energy market. The risk of disturbances or power outages is also not confined to national borders and may directly or indirectly affect several Member States.
This call for evidence is an important first step in preparing the review. It aims to collect input from citizens and stakeholders, draw lessons from past crises, and examine future challenges. In addition to this broad call for evidence, the Commission will conduct targeted consultations with stakeholders possessing in-depth technical expertise. At the same time, an impact assessment is being carried out to support the preparation of the legislative proposal. This assessment will evaluate different policy options and their likely impact.
More information is available: here
