Brussels unlocks €600mn to accelerate cross-border energy projects

The European Commission is launching a large-scale call for projects to finance priority energy infrastructure between Member States and neighbouring countries, with a maximum budget of €600mn from the CEF Energy programme.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The European Commission has announced the launch of a new call for proposals worth €600mn to support major cross-border energy projects. Managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), this initiative forms part of the Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF Energy). Applications may be submitted until 17:00 (CEST) on 16 September 2025, with the results expected to be announced in early 2026.

Priority given to interconnection projects

Only projects listed in the official first list of Projects of Common Interest (PCI) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMI) are eligible. PCIs refer to infrastructure connecting the energy networks of two or more EU Member States, while PMIs involve links between one or more EU countries and third countries. All selected projects benefit from preferential treatment, including accelerated permitting procedures and a streamlined regulatory framework.

The call covers both feasibility studies and construction works. An online information session is scheduled for 22 May 2025 to outline the political framework of the call and explain the evaluation and selection procedures.

Budget extended until 2027

CEF Energy has a total budget of €5.88bn for the 2021–2027 period. The mechanism supports strategic projects intended to enhance supply security and the integration of European markets. The sixth list adopted by the Union, and the first to include PMIs under the revised Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation, features 166 projects, including 85 related to electricity and smart grids.

Structural projects under legislative review

For the first time, 65 hydrogen and electrolyser projects are included, alongside 14 carbon dioxide transport network projects. The list, adopted as a delegated act, is now subject to scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Both institutions have two months, extendable to four, to accept or reject the list in its entirety.

European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen stated: “Constructing the missing links to enable uninterrupted energy flows between Member States is essential, and the role of the Connecting Europe Facility is critical in this context.”

The E3 and the United States submit a resolution to the IAEA to formalise Iran's non-cooperation following the June strikes, consolidating the legal basis for tougher energy and financial sanctions.
The United Kingdom launches a taskforce led by the Energy Minister to strengthen the security of the national power grid after a full shutdown at Heathrow Airport caused by a substation fire.
New Delhi is seeking $68bn in Japanese investment to accelerate gas projects, develop hydrogen and expand LNG import capacity amid increased openness to foreign capital.
Germany will introduce a capped electricity rate for its most energy-intensive industries to preserve competitiveness amid high power costs.
Under political pressure, Ademe faces proposals for its elimination. Its president reiterates the agency’s role and justifies the management of the €3.4bn operated in 2024.
Solar and wind generation exceeded the increase in global electricity demand in the first three quarters of 2025, leading to a stagnation in fossil fuel production according to the latest available data.
The Malaysian government plans to introduce a carbon tax and strengthen regional partnerships to stabilise its industry amid emerging international regulations.
E.ON warns about the new German regulatory framework that could undermine profitability of grid investments from 2029.
A major blackout has disrupted electricity supply across the Dominican Republic, impacting transport, tourism and infrastructure nationwide. Authorities state that recovery is underway despite the widespread impact.
Vietnam is consolidating its regulatory and financial framework to decarbonise its economy, structure a national carbon market, and attract foreign investment in its long-term energy strategy.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development strengthens its commitment to renewables in Africa by supporting Infinity Power’s solar and wind expansion beyond Egypt.
Governor Gavin Newsom attended the COP30 summit in Belém to present California as a strategic partner, distancing himself from federal policy and leveraging the state's economic weight.
Chinese authorities authorise increased private sector participation in strategic energy projects, including nuclear, hydropower and transmission networks, in an effort to revitalise slowing domestic investment.
A new regulatory framework comes into effect to structure the planning, procurement and management of electricity transmission infrastructure, aiming to increase grid reliability and attract private investment.
À l’approche de la COP30, l’Union africaine demande une refonte des mécanismes de financement climatique pour garantir des ressources stables et équitables en faveur de l’adaptation des pays les plus vulnérables.
Global energy efficiency progress remains below the commitments made in Dubai, hindered by industrial demand and public policies that lag behind technological innovation.
Global solar and wind additions will hit a new record in 2025, but the lack of ambitious national targets creates uncertainty around achieving a tripling by 2030.
South Korean refiners warn of excessive emissions targets as government considers cuts of up to 60% from 2018 levels.
Ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva adopts a controversial stance by proposing to finance the energy transition with proceeds from offshore oil exploration near the Amazon.
An international group of researchers now forecasts a Chinese emissions peak by 2028, despite recent signs of decline, increasing uncertainty over the country’s energy transition pace.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.