On 4 August, ENTSO-E has submitted its formal response to the European Commission’s consultation on the upcoming European Grid Package, calling for urgent, coordinated action to remove bottlenecks and accelerate the timely buildout of critical grid infrastructure across Europe. 

ENTSO-E sets out four key enablers to deliver the grid Europe needs for a climate-neutral, secure and competitive power system. 

Streamlined planning and stronger regional coordination 
ENTSO-E calls for smarter and more coordinated grid planning across Europe. This means aligning National Energy and Climate Plans, improving scenario-building in the Ten-Year Newtwork Development Plan (TYNDP), and strengthening cross-sector collaboration. ENTSO-E also supports stronger regional cooperation to monitor and implement grid needs efficiently, using Regional Investment Plans as a key tool. To speed up project delivery, ENTSO-E proposes simplifying the Projects of Common and Mutual Interest (PCI/PMI) process, focusing on clear selection criteria, stable project status, and streamlined reporting. 

Accelerated permitting 
More than half of critical transmission projects are still awaiting permits. ENTSO-E welcomes the Commission’s focus on permitting reform and calls for simplification of environmental requirements and legal deadlines that speed up, not complicate, approval. 

Adequate and accessible financing   
Over €800 billion in grid investment is needed by 2050. ENTSO-E calls for a stable regulatory framework, greater access to EU funds like the Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF-E), streamlined application processes, and voluntary cost-sharing mechanisms that support pan-European infrastructure. 

Stronger supply chains and flexible procurements 
Grid equipment lead times are growing. ENTSO-E urges action to enhance procurement flexibility, support strategic manufacturing in Europe, and address the urgent shortage of skilled professionals backing the call for a Net-Zero Academy for Grids. 

These priorities are essential to deliver a future-proof, integrated grid system that enables electrification, resilience and climate neutrality. 

Read ENTSO-E’s full response and storyline here.