REGULATORY
REGULATORY
LATEST ARTICLES
Finland proposes framework to regulate household electricity prices in a declared price crisis
Finland's Government has proposed an act enabling flexible regulation of household electricity prices if the EU Council declares a price crisis. It is due to take effect in spring 2027.
Finland’s Government proposes withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty
Finland's Government has asked Parliament to approve withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty, citing the split of competences with the EU and doubts over modernisation.
Finland designates four offshore wind areas in its exclusive economic zone for tender
Finland has designated four offshore wind areas in the Bothnian Sea and Bothnian Bay for competitive tender, with the first tender possible in the first half of 2027.
Commission adopts 2027 work programme: energy prices, defence and simplification in focus
The European Commission has adopted its 2027 work programme, covering energy prices, defence, simplification and the next EU budget, alongside its annual report on enforcement.
Corporate PPA contracting in Europe falls 9.7% as RE-Source marks tenth edition
Europe contracted 5.9 GW of renewables through corporate PPAs in 2026 so far, 9.7% less than a year earlier, the RE-Source Platform said as its tenth event opened in Amsterdam.
Finland opens public consultation on EIA programme for Helen’s planned nuclear plant in Helsinki
Finland has opened consultation on the EIA programme for Helen's planned nuclear plant in Helsinki. Views can be submitted until 4 January 2027.
Over 50 industry groups ask Brussels to suspend 2030 renewable hydrogen target for industry
An appeal led by the Polish Chamber of the Chemical Industry asks the European Commission to pause the binding 2030 RFNBO target for industry and reassess the 2035 goal.
Elia contracts required capacity in three Belgian CRM auctions, with batteries winning around 0.5 GW for 2028-29 and 2030-31
Belgian grid operator Elia has contracted the capacity required in three CRM auctions for 2027-2031, with offers exceeding demand and new batteries making up about 0.5 GW in two of them.
EU energy ministers to debate network charges, winter security and post-2030 framework
Ministers meet in Luxembourg on 29 October to debate the Commission's network charges proposal, winter supply security and post-2030 energy rules, with a BEMIP meeting alongside.
Finland received more than 200 comments on grid-connection priority draft, sets up working group
Finland's economy ministry received over 200 comments on its grid-connection priority draft act and will send it to Parliament in December. A working group will propose further market-law changes by March 2027.
Finland grants world’s first operating licence for spent nuclear fuel disposal facility
The Finnish Government has licensed Posiva to operate its Olkiluoto encapsulation plant and Onkalo repository until 2070, the first such licence worldwide according to the ministry.
WindEurope urges EU not to reopen Birds and Habitats Directive
WindEurope says reopening the EU Birds and Habitats Directives would bring legal uncertainty and delay wind projects, and published 40 case studies on wind and biodiversity.
Walloon government picks preferred corridor for Elia’s Boucle du Hainaut power line
Belgium's Walloon government has chosen a preferred corridor for Elia's Avelgem–Courcelles line. A public inquiry follows in early 2027, with commissioning targeted for 2032-2033.
Finland proposes Tukes as enforcer of the EU Methane Regulation, with penalties from 2027
Finland has opened consultation on a bill naming Tukes as enforcement authority for the EU Methane Regulation, with penalties applying after a three-to-nine-month grace period from 2027.
Germany’s WindSeeG amendment explained: what changes for offshore auctions
Germany's cabinet has sent the WindSeeG amendment to parliament. Two-sided CfDs, a 2,000 to 4,800 MW annual tender path and new rules on securities are the main changes for offshore auctions.
How sabotage fears and a Swedish cable standoff are reshaping the EU’s grid interconnection drive
A wave of EU interconnection funding has collided with security fears and national pushback — from a Swedish cable freeze to a sabotage-repair fund and a Polish blackout drill.
WindEurope joins European Literacy Coalition to counter energy disinformation
WindEurope has joined the European Literacy Coalition, launched in Brussels on 22 September, committing the wind industry to tackling declining literacy skills and energy disinformation.
Finland’s energy efficiency agreements deliver over €2bn in savings-driving investment since 2017
Finnish companies and municipalities invested over €2.1 billion in energy efficiency between 2017 and 2025, cutting annual energy use by 18.6 TWh, the government reports.
Finland proposes priority queue for grid connections of large consumers and storage from 2027
A draft amendment to Finland's Electricity Market Act would sort connection requests from large consumers and storage into four priority groups when grid capacity is scarce. Comments close 9 October; entry into force is planned for 1 January 2027.
Sweden’s wind politics in one picture: a tax cut everyone backs, permits that still take years, and a cable to Denmark on ice
Sweden's parties agree on a lower electricity tax and faster permits, the grid operator wants 8 TWh of new fossil-free power a year, yet the government has frozen the Konti-Skan cable to Denmark. An analysis of what the next government inherits.
Ørsted chief Rasmus Errboe takes over as WindEurope chair, with Enel Green Power’s Bernabei as vice-chair
WindEurope has elected Ørsted CEO Rasmus Errboe as chair and Enel Green Power CEO Salvatore Bernabei as vice-chair for 18 months, in a year Europe is set to install a record 24 GW of wind.
IWR: wind, solar and storage are Germany’s best hedge against the new oil and gas price shock
After the ECB's September rate rise, Germany's IWR institute argues that renewables plus battery storage cut exposure to fossil price shocks, and warns that subsidised gas plants trading on the market would add electricity price risk.
FGW publishes blueprint for component-based grid certification of wind turbines and storage
Germany's FGW e.V. has released the final document of its working group on component-based unit certification, proposing early validation of grid behaviour at converter and component level to cut recertification costs for turbines and storage.
Estonian and Latvian ministers tour Finland’s Onkalo repository as Posiva licence decision nears
Finland's Sari Multala hosted Estonia's Andres Sutt and Latvia's Jānis Vitenbergs at Posiva's spent fuel repository in Eurajoki, weeks after STUK's favourable statement. The operating licence proposal could reach the Finnish Government in October.
German cabinet approves WindSeeG amendment, reopening offshore auction design
The German cabinet has adopted the draft WindSeeG amendment, sending changes to offshore auction design, realisation deadlines, resilience criteria and environmental rules into the parliamentary process.
The grid is the bottleneck: what Europe’s connection queues mean for Baltic wind
Permitting used to be the hard part. Now it is the wires: 72 TWh curtailed across Europe, 800 GW stuck in connection queues, and a Baltic hybrid interconnector facing a decision point.
Five years from permit to first power: Energiequelle commissions 4.2 MW turbine at Krummensee
Energiequelle has commissioned a 4.2 MW Enercon turbine at Krummensee in Brandenburg, five years after the permit was issued and after a legal dispute that nearly ran the consent out of time.
Oversubscribed and unbuilt: what Germany’s onshore wind auctions tell the Baltic markets
Germany's onshore wind auctions are bid 2.6 times over and clearing at record lows. The winners share locked-in turbine supply and secured grid connections — and the harder constraint now sits between the award and the first foundation.
Europe on course for record wind year with 8.8 GW installed in first half of 2026
Europe installed 8.8 GW of new wind capacity in the first half of 2026, 30% more than a year earlier. WindEurope now expects 24 GW for the full year, but warns that falling permitting volumes outside Germany could stall the ramp-up.
Security by design: how the Baltic’s offshore build-out became a defence question
Summit declarations, a NATO-funding proposal and a Finnish intelligence assessment now point the same way: Baltic offshore wind is being treated as critical infrastructure. Poland shows what that means on the ground.
The Baltic’s next bottleneck is not turbines. It is wires, cables and the pipes beneath them
Congestion cost Europe EUR 8.9bn in 2024 and 72 TWh was curtailed. From GriffinLink to Baltic cable repair modules and Finland's hydrogen roadmap, the region's binding constraint is shifting from generation to everything that carries it.
EU renewables approached 50 per cent of electricity in July 2026
Renewables neared half of EU electricity in July 2026, with solar almost level with nuclear as heat and low water constrained European reactors.
Heat and low water squeeze Europe’s nuclear fleet, Romania offline since 2003 first
Sustained heat and low river levels cut European nuclear output, leaving Romania without nuclear generation for the first time since 2003.
SuedLink’s Elbe tunnel is finished as Germany’s power corridors near commissioning
SuedLink's 5.2 km ElbX tunnel under the Elbe is complete. Cable pulling starts late 2027 and the 700 km link enters service at the end of 2028.
Germany’s grid and capacity package draws legal challenges from several directions
Germany's grid connection package faces a constitutional opinion against it, doubts over EU-law compatibility, a Bundeskartellamt warning and an EU complaint against the capacity market law.
Turkey prepares first offshore wind tender, targeting 5 GW by 2035
Turkey has released a draft 1 GW offshore wind YEKA tender covering four Aegean areas, with the auction due in Q1 2027 and a 5 GW target for 2035.
German offshore industry presses for contracts for difference after zero-bid round
After Germany's offshore auction drew zero bids, the WindSeeG draft proposes 2,000-4,800 MW annual volumes, two-sided CfDs and 35-year operating lives. Industry says it does not go far enough.
IWR analysis: Germany’s new energy policy course points to higher power prices
An IWR analysis argues that Germany's capacity market, EEG amendment and grid connection package shift system control to regulated monopolies and will push electricity prices up rather than down.
RWE takes USD 1.22bn to hand back US offshore leases as Washington keeps buying projects out
RWE will receive USD 1.22 billion for returning its US offshore wind leases, the latest project buy-back under the Trump administration. Capital freed from cancelled US commitments could flow toward European and Baltic pipelines instead.
Germany’s WindSeeG reform draft: BWO backs CfDs but wants a stronger auction design
Germany's BMWE has opened consultation on the 2026 WindSeeG amendment, introducing two-sided CfDs and a 35-year operating life. The offshore association BWO backs the direction but says the two-stage tender model must not turn price protection into a last resort.
German cabinet passes EEG 2027 and grid-connection package; Alterric warns of setback for renewables
Germany's cabinet has passed the EEG 2027 amendment and grid-connection package. Wind developer Alterric warns the rules could seriously slow the renewables build-out and urges the Bundestag to revise them.
Alterric warns Germany’s EEG reform and grid package could stall wind investment
Alterric says Germany's cabinet-approved EEG amendment and grid connection package risk raising generation costs and stalling the renewables build-out, and has urged the Bundestag to make corrections.
EU targets doubling of electricity’s share by 2040 as wind sector warns on ETS reform
The European Commission wants to double electricity's share of the EU energy mix to 46% by 2040, but the wind industry warns that a parallel reform of the Emissions Trading System could slow the shift.
Finland issues authority statement on EIA programme for Kuopio SMR district heating plant
Finland's economy ministry has issued its competent authority statement on the EIA programme for Kuopion Energia's planned small modular reactor plant for district heating in Kuopio, asking the developer to further specify the assessment.
Lithuania’s outgoing deputy energy minister marks renewable milestones as capacity nears 7 GW
Lithuania's outgoing deputy energy minister Airidas Daukšas has reviewed his term, citing a 55% renewables target for 2030, more than 193,000 prosumers and installed capacity heading towards 7 GW by year-end.
French and German onshore wind auctions oversubscribed as developers call for more volumes
France and Germany awarded more than 3 GW in heavily oversubscribed onshore wind auctions at falling prices, but WindEurope warned that limited auction visibility is pushing developers to rush projects to market.
European Commission approves €63 billion French offshore wind support scheme
The European Commission has cleared a €63 billion French scheme backing eleven offshore wind farms with up to 11.1 GW of capacity under two-way CfDs.
wpd secures 156.9 MW in oversubscribed German onshore wind auction
wpd has won 156.9 MW in Germany's latest BNetzA onshore wind auction, a heavily oversubscribed round in which average award prices fell to a record low of 5.06 ct/kWh.
WindEurope urges EU to steer ETS revenues into industrial electrification
Ahead of the EU's 17 July ETS review, WindEurope wants the Commission to keep a clear carbon price and channel ETS revenues into industrial electrification.
Alterric warns delayed German energy law reform threatens wind investment
Alterric says leaked drafts of Germany's EEG 2027 reform and grid-connection package — including a ten-year uncompensated curtailment rule — threaten the financing of new wind projects.
German onshore wind auction oversubscribed again as Routing Energy clients secure 90 MW
Germany's 1 May onshore wind tender drew bids worth 6,409 MW for 2,495 MW on offer, pushing award prices lower; clients of purchasing group Routing Energy won 90.1 MW.
Qualitas Energy wins 113 MW in oversubscribed German onshore wind auction
Qualitas Energy has won 113.2 MW across three onshore wind projects in Germany's latest tender, which drew bids worth more than 2.5 times the available volume.
German renewables hit employment record, but Bertelsmann study warns of policy risk to jobs
Germany's renewable energy sector set a new employment record in 2025, but a Bertelsmann Stiftung study warns that a shift in federal energy policy could endanger thousands of jobs.
EU energy ministers seek deal on grids package, with EU funds to repair sabotaged undersea cables
EU energy ministers met in Luxembourg to agree a general approach on the European grids package, including EU funding to repair undersea energy infrastructure damaged by sabotage — a priority for the Baltic Sea region.
Eurelectric report maps ‘Power Couples’ to scale up industrial electrification
A new Eurelectric report, based on 61 companies and 30 projects, sets out five replicable 'Power Couples' models to scale up industrial electrification by aligning demand, supply, grids and investment.
Eurelectric urges EU to keep ETS as the backbone of climate policy in upcoming review
Eurelectric is calling on the EU to keep the Emissions Trading System as the backbone of its climate policy, setting out three priorities for the review: a predictable carbon price, industrial competitiveness and a just transition.
Netherlands opens 1 GW IJmuiden Ver Gamma-A offshore wind tender
The Netherlands has opened the tender for the 1 GW IJmuiden Ver Gamma-A offshore wind site, with €4.75bn in subsidy available and applications running from 26 November to 10 December 2026.
WindEurope urges EU ministers to set binding 2040 renewables target
WindEurope is calling on EU energy ministers to agree a binding 2040 renewables target, warning that without a post-2030 goal Europe risks losing investment, energy security and industrial leadership.
Sweden needs historic build-out of fossil-free power to 2050, grid operator says
Sweden's transmission operator Svenska kraftnät says meeting electricity demand to 2050 will require historic investment in generation, grids and flexibility — around 8 TWh of new fossil-free power a year in its most intensive scenarios.
Maritime groups urge EU to include shipping in Electrification Action Plan
Shipping companies and Transport & Environment want the EU's upcoming Electrification Action Plan to cover shipping, citing barriers to charging infrastructure.
Estonia’s parliament passes Nuclear Energy and Safety Act, opening the door to a first power plant
Estonia's Riigikogu has passed the Nuclear Energy and Safety Act, creating the country's first legal framework for nuclear power, including a phased licensing system and a national regulator due to start work in January 2027.
Stronger grid links could unlock 27 TWh of renewables by 2040, Aurora study finds
A 25% increase in cross-border grid interconnection could let Europe use an extra 27 TWh of wind and solar by 2040 and avoid 16.3 million tonnes of CO2, an Aurora Energy Research study finds — warning that curtailment could double by 2030 without timely network investment.
GWEC urges governments to fast-track offshore wind against energy shocks
GWEC's 2026 report urges governments to fast-track offshore wind, warning that auctions slowed to 11.4 GW in 2025 even as 25 GW of projects sit ready to build.
German Bundesrat backs offshore wind reform as BWO renews call for two-sided CfDs
Germany's Bundesrat has adopted a resolution backing offshore wind reform, taking up BWO proposals for an indexed two-sided CfD auction design, cross-border cooperation and a route to return non-viable awarded sites.
NGOs urge fishing limits below scientific advice to rebuild Baltic stocks
Baltic environmental NGOs urge the EU to set 2027 fishing limits below ICES advice, warning that cod, herring and salmon stocks are failing to recover even under existing closures.
EU sanctions target Russia’s shadow fleet and energy revenues
The EU's latest package lists 34 individuals and 47 entities, targeting Russia's shadow fleet, energy revenues, defence industry and propaganda networks.
European Commission plans fiscal leeway for energy transition investment
The Commission would let member states borrow up to 0.3% of GDP a year for the energy transition; Germany's BEE says it could free up to €27 billion.
Onshore wind could cut Polish power bills, but barriers must go, PSEW 2026 panel says
Experts at PSEW 2026 said onshore wind is among Poland's cheapest power sources and could cut energy bills, but warned that grid limits, permitting and public opposition still hold it back.
WindEurope warns draft EU rules could weaken community benefits from wind farms
On Global Wind Day, WindEurope urged EU policymakers to protect flexible community participation models, warning that draft EU rules could weaken the local benefits wind farms deliver.
Global Wind Day 2026 puts community benefits in focus as WindEurope warns against rigid EU rules
On Global Wind Day, WindEurope spotlights how communities share in wind farm revenues — and warns that draft EU participation rules could undermine the very models that build local support.
EU finance ministers agree to widen carbon border levy
EU finance ministers agreed to extend the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to downstream steel and aluminium products, roughly doubling the Commission's proposed scope.
Norway becomes a full member of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region
Norway has become a full member of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, gaining a formal role in the macro-regional framework's leadership and agenda-setting.
Sweden halts upgrade of power cable to Denmark in EU grid-package standoff
Sweden has ordered grid operator Svenska kraftnät to pause an upgrade of its power cable to Denmark, escalating its standoff with Brussels over the EU Grids Package.
Klaipėda LNG terminal allocates long-term capacity to 2044, with Ukraine and Finland on board
Lithuania's Klaipėda LNG terminal has booked over 20 TWh of long-term capacity to 2044, with Ukraine's Naftogaz and Finland's Gasum joining as first-time customers.
Germany’s reactive power market falls short of its potential, study finds
A joint Alterric and E-Bridge study finds Germany's market for reactive power remains fragmented and underused, leaving potential savings on network charges unrealised.
BXF Energia: faster permitting is the key bottleneck for onshore wind in Poland
BXF Energia's Tomasz Grzęda says the main bottleneck for onshore wind in Poland is the early permitting phase, where siting and approvals can take years.
Polish defence ministry eases onshore wind siting near military areas
Poland's defence ministry has prepared a decision to make onshore wind siting near military areas more transparent and predictable, announced by Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at PSEW 2026.
German ZEREZ register adds grid-forming certificates for instantaneous reserve
Germany's ZEREZ register now accepts certificates with grid-forming properties for the instantaneous reserve market, effective 1 June 2026.
BWO Welcomes German Regulator’s Protection for Offshore Wind in Network Charge Reform
Germany's Bundesnetzagentur has shielded existing offshore wind projects from planned generator network charges, drawing praise from BWO — which also published a study finding such charges would be ineffective and ultimately costlier for the federal government.
Green Power Sweden Backs Shorter Appeals Chain for Environmental Permits
Green Power Sweden has endorsed Swedish government proposals to cap environmental permitting appeals at three instances, while urging coordination with other concurrent regulatory reforms at EU and national level.
Swedish Parliamentary Parties Show Broad Support for Lower Electricity Tax
A pre-election survey by Green Power Sweden finds a majority of Swedish parliamentary parties support reducing electricity tax from 36 öre/kWh to EU minimum levels, ahead of the September 2026 general election.
PIMEW Calls for PIT Tax Exemption for Polish Offshore Wind Seafarers
PIMEW has submitted a formal position on Bill UD 2549 calling for a PIT exemption for Polish seafarers on offshore wind vessels, citing a 41% tax rate against 0% in Denmark and Belgium.
PISM White Paper: Russia’s Systematic Sabotage and Subversion Campaign Against Baltic Sea States
A new PISM White Paper documents Russia's intensifying hybrid campaign against Baltic Sea states, covering sabotage of energy and cable infrastructure, GNSS disruption, border violations, and recommendations for coordinated regional defence.
German Offshore Wind Association Calls for Voluntary Site Return Mechanism to Unblock 16 GW
Germany's BWO association is calling for a voluntary offshore wind site return mechanism covering up to 16 GW and EUR 50 billion in project value blocked by grid delays.
UK Expands Environmental Compensation Options for Offshore Wind Developers
New UK legislation in force from 21 May 2026 gives offshore wind developers a wider range of environmental compensation options, from seabird colony protection to native oyster restoration.
Wind Energy Ireland Launches 18-Point Offshore Wind Action Plan for 2026
Wind Energy Ireland's 18-point action plan for 2026 targets a September planning decision, finalised grid agreements for east-coast projects, and state investment in port capacity.
EU Wind Funding Yields Seven-Fold Economic Return, New Study Finds
A Trinomics/DTU Wind study commissioned by WindEurope finds that €11.6bn of targeted EU wind funding could yield €33bn annually in economic returns and 180,000 jobs by 2040, while displacing 70 bcm of imported gas.
Elia Group General Meetings Approve €2.05 Dividend and Board Changes
Elia Group shareholders approved a €2.05 per share dividend and governance amendments at the company's annual general meetings held on 19 May 2026.
B9 and Nordic Allies Pledge Baltic Sea Maritime Protection in Bucharest Declaration
Leaders of the Bucharest Nine and Nordic Allies reaffirmed Baltic Sea maritime protection and commended Baltic Sentry operations in a joint declaration from Bucharest.
US Congress Examines Baltic Security Threats at House Foreign Affairs Hearing
The US House Foreign Affairs Europe Subcommittee examined threats to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, with Chairman Self warning that NATO’s credibility hinges on credible deterrence along the Baltic frontier.
Baltic Sea Region Forum in Turku Draws Record 580 Participants Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions
The Baltic Sea Region Forum in Turku attracted a record 580 participants to debate security, energy infrastructure, and geopolitical resilience across the Baltic and Arctic.
Baltic Youth Chart Regional Agenda at CBSS Youth Ministerial in Warsaw
Youth delegates from across the Baltic Sea Region met in Warsaw for the CBSS Youth Ministerial 2026, producing recommendations on energy infrastructure, security and regional cooperation for Foreign Ministers.
Baltic Sea Region Forum Brings 500 Experts to Tallinn to Address Resilience
More than 500 experts gathered in Tallinn for the 17th EUSBSR Annual Forum, focusing on resilience across regional security, Baltic Sea environment and economic competitiveness.
Latvian FM Outlines Four Pillars for European Security at Tallinn’s Lennart Meri Conference
Latvia's FM Baiba Braže outlined four priorities for European security at the Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn, calling for stronger NATO eastern flank defences and tighter sanctions on Russia's shadow fleet.
Norway Joins EU Baltic Sea Strategy as Ninth Member
Norway has joined the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region as its ninth member, expanding cooperation in energy, maritime safety, and sustainability across the region.
Germany, Poland and the Baltic States Accelerate Onshore Wind to Reduce Fossil Fuel Dependence
Germany, Poland and the three Baltic States are expanding onshore wind capacity at an accelerating pace, driven by post-crisis energy security concerns and policy reforms that have cut permitting times and opened new areas for development.
European Commission Publishes Catalogue of National Best Practices to Tackle Energy Crisis
The European Commission has published a catalogue of national best practices to help member states cut gas and oil use, lower energy costs and build resilience amid the ongoing energy crisis.
Opinion: Europe’s digital and energy systems are converging — governance has not kept up
Alexandra Garatzogianni argues that Europe's energy and digital systems are converging faster than the governance frameworks designed to manage them.
Opinion: The EU needs a 2040 energy efficiency target — and it needs it now
Arianna Vitali Roscini of the Coalition for Energy Savings argues that a 2040 EU energy efficiency target is essential for energy security and independence.
Nine finalists named for EUSEW 2026 Sustainable Energy Awards
Nine projects and individuals have been named finalists for the EUSEW 2026 Sustainable Energy Awards. Public voting is open until 31 May.















































