A defining conversation on how Europe can secure the electricity infrastructure required to deliver a secure, resilient and competitive energy transition.
ENTSO-E held the 2026 European Grids Summit in Brussels, bringing together industry, system operators, policymakers and manufacturers. In a context shaped by geopolitical tensions, energy security concerns and accelerating electrification, electricity grids took centre stage as a key component of Europe's strategic infrastructure, underpinning the energy transition, economic security and competitiveness. Discussions highlighted the need for long-term planning, investment certainty and, above all, coordination.
In their opening remarks, our President, Zbynek Boldis, and our Vice-Chair of the Board, Tahir Kapetanovic, underlined that Europe's Internal Energy Market is a major achievement and a shining example of European integration. They stressed, however, that its continued success depends on the timely expansion and modernisation of grid infrastructure, from interconnectors to digital systems, to keep pace with accelerating electrification and renewable integration. In a context marked by geopolitical tensions, security risks and growing demand, they highlighted that grids have moved from a technical issue to a strategic priority, with the key challenge now lying not in planning, but in delivery, including permitting, financing and implementation.
In their keynote addresses, Michael Damianos (Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry of Cyprus), Dan Jorgensen (European Commissioner for Energy and Housing) and Emanuelle Wargon (Chair of the Board of Regulators of ACER) reinforced this message. The role of Transmission System Operators was highlighted as indispensable to ensuring a reliable, resilient and sustainable system. This becomes even more pressing given that Europe stands at the crossroad of rising electricity demand, decarbonisation pressures and the need for greater energy independence in an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical environment. At the same time, the importance of resilient and well-coordinated grids was stressed as a prerequisite for delivering affordable energy, strengthening security of supply and enabling solidarity across Member States. The European Grids Package was presented as a key tool to address these challenges, with a strong focus on accelerating planning, improving coordination and unlocking investment.
Our first panel focused on the gap between planning and delivery. While existing tools already provide a clear view of infrastructure needs, the main challenge lies in implementation. Permitting delays, financing constraints and supply chain limitations were identified as key bottlenecks. Participants also highlighted the need to balance investment with affordability, improve cost allocation mechanisms, and strengthen coordination across EU, national and local levels. The importance of better managing connection queues and ensuring timely infrastructure deployment was also emphasised.
The second panel focused on grid security as a multi-dimensional challenge, combining security of supply, physical protection and cybersecurity. Participants highlighted evolving risks, including hybrid threats and system complexity, as well as lessons from recent incidents, pointing to the need for stronger preparedness, improved system defence and faster restoration. Greater regional cooperation, closer coordination across sectors and more integrated risk-aware planning were identified as key priorities.
The third panel focused on the industrial capacity needed to deliver the energy transition. Participants highlighted that scaling up grid infrastructure depends on the availability of key components, resilient supply chains and a skilled workforce. Greater long-term visibility of demand was seen as essential to unlock investment, alongside stronger coordination across the ecosystem and frameworks that support anticipatory investment and competitiveness.
Missed the event or want to relive the key moments?
Watch the full recap of the 2026 European Grids Summit below.