The European Commission has announced 235 cross-border energy projects that have been granted the status of projects of common interest (PCI) and projects of mutual interest (PMI). This is the second such list since the initiative was launched in 2023.

Projects of common interest are key energy infrastructure initiatives that are crucial for the completion of the European internal energy market. They contribute to mitigating climate change and, in particular, to achieving the EU’s 2030 energy and climate targets.

The implementation of these projects will ensure better interconnections, greater energy security, more effective market and system integration, and greater competition, which will benefit all Member States. This will also contribute to more affordable energy prices.

Projects of mutual interest (PMIs) are key energy infrastructure initiatives that the Union promotes in cooperation with third countries.

The current list includes a total of 235 PCIs/PMIs, of which 88 are in the field of electricity, 19 are maritime networks, 100 are hydrogen and electrolyzer projects, 6 are smart electricity grids, 3 are smart gas transmission networks, 17 are cross-border carbon dioxide transport infrastructures,

The projects for the construction of the Batak and Dospat pumped storage power plants have been granted PCI status. This entitles them to apply for financial support under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in the form of grants.
The list also includes several other projects with Bulgarian participation. Among them is the joint project between Bulgaria and Romania – Carmen, which aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation and data exchange between TSOs, improve interaction between TSOs and ERDs, support the expansion of the electricity network, and increase the capacity to integrate new renewable energy sources. The project also aims to improve the stability, security, and flexibility of the electricity system.

A well-integrated and optimized European energy network is key to accelerating the transition to energy-efficient and clean energy. Next week, the EC will present the European Networks Package, which aims to further accelerate the development of the necessary energy infrastructure in Europe.

It will further develop the Energy Highways initiative launched by President von der Leyen in her latest State of the Union address. The initiative will focus on overcoming cross-border energy barriers and will contribute to increasing the overall resilience of the EU’s energy system.

Next steps

The list of PCIs and PMI will be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union in the form of a delegated act for consideration, as provided for in the TEN-E Regulation. The two co-legislators have two months to accept or reject the list in its entirety, but cannot amend it. The deadline may be extended by a further two months if requested.
Once finally adopted, the Commission will step up its work with project promoters and Member States to support the smoothest and swiftest possible implementation of the selected PCIs and PMIs.