The European Commission published the second list of Projects of Common Interest (PCI) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMI) at the end of last week. It includes 235 selected cross-border energy infrastructure projects that will strengthen energy connectivity across the entire continent. Once it enters into force, it will officially replace the Union’s first list of PCI and PMI.
Projects on the list can benefit from accelerated permitting procedures, regulatory support, and EU funding opportunities under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The EC plans to announce the 2026 CEF call for proposals at the end of April 2026, with a deadline for applications at the end of September 2026.
Out of the 235 projects selected in the “Projects of Common Interest” (PCI) and “Projects of Mutual Interest” (PMI), nearly half (113) are in the field of electricity, including offshore projects and smart grids, which will be essential for integrating the growing share of renewable energy sources. The list includes also 100 projects related to hydrogen and electrolysers, as well as 3 projects for smart gas networks, which will help decarbonize industry and transport in the EU and replace the use of natural gas within the Union, thereby further reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports. The list also includes 17 CO₂ network projects in line with the EU’s goals to establish a market for carbon dioxide capture and storage.
The projects involving Bulgaria included in the list are:
Projects of Common Interest:
- Batak Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant
- Dospat Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant
- Yadenitsa Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant
- CARMEN (BG, RO) – a project to strengthen cross-border cooperation and data exchange between transmission system operators (TSOs), deepening cooperation between transmission and distribution system operators, supporting grid expansion and increasing capacity for integrating new renewable energy sources, as well as enhancing the stability, security, and flexibility of the electricity grid
- Greece–Bulgaria hydrogen interconnector
- SmartSwitch project – smarter use of the existing Greek and Bulgarian gas transmission system to integrate hydrogen and gases from renewable sources into the grid
- Prinos–Apollo CO₂ – offshore storage facility near Prinos for emissions from Greece (transported via pipeline) and from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Slovenia (transported by ship)
Porjects of Mutual Interest:
- Interconnection between Bobov Dol (BG) and Leskovac 2 (RS), currently known as the “Central Balkan Corridor.”
The European Commission will support the implementation of these projects through enhanced political coordination with the relevant Member States, making use of the high-level regional groups established to support the development of energy infrastructure in key regions, including with partner countries, as well as the Energy Union Working Group.
