On Monday 15 September and until 13 October, the European Commission opened a public consultation to obtain contributions from citizens, professionals and experts on its forthcoming revision of the European energy security framework.
“While the current framework has ensured a reliable and stable energy supply, the evolving geopolitical, technological, and climate landscape demands a more resilient and adaptable approach”, says the European Commission.
Mentioned in the Affordable Energy Action Plan (see EUROPE 13588/3), this revision is expected to be adopted early next year and will be based on the lessons learned from recent crises.
In an explanatory note, the Commission highlights a number of shortcomings in the current energy security framework, such as the lack of operational preparedness. For example, “additional emergency measures had to be adopted to combat the energy crisis” following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, explains the institution.
In addition, the framework is not currently fit for the profound transformation of the system (increased electrification, expansion of renewables, etc.), does not place sufficient emphasis on cross-border coordination between Member States, and does not take full account of climate-related effects on critical energy infrastructures.
Four strategic options under consideration. The Commission is therefore considering four strategic options, based on the current framework (in particular the Security of Gas Supply Regulation and the Electricity Risk Preparedness Regulation) and other energy security policies.
The first option aims to focus on “smart streamlining”, by removing or combining existing provisions and the alignment of crisis levels between the gas and electricity sectors.
Strategic option 2 adds a “targeted reinforcement” to the first, introducing measures to deal with new risks, such as climate crises, cyber attacks and geopolitical challenges, including a possible “EU alert” crisis level.
Option 3 builds on the previous two options and proposes a “cross-sectoral transformation”, with the creation of a single regulatory framework for electricity, gas and other energy carriers, such as hydrogen.
Finally, strategic option 4 emphasises “EU-led action” by adding more centralised management, governance and monitoring.
Call for evidence: https://aeur.eu/f/ifr (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)