December 11, 2025
European Commission’s initiative sets the stage for faster permitting, sector-coupled planning and energy highways to strengthen Europe’s energy system.
Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) welcomes the European Commission’s EU Grids Package as a significant step toward accelerating investment in Europe’s energy infrastructure and enabling more effective cross-border connectivity. Europe’s future energy system can only be efficient and resilient if electricity, hydrogen and CO₂ networks are planned jointly and developed efficiently, reflecting sector coupling and evolving energy flows. This integrated approach is fundamental not only to strengthening Europe’s security of supply, but also to ensuring energy affordability for citizens and businesses. By coordinating the development of all grid infrastructures, the EU can deliver a robust energy system that supports both reliability and cost-effectiveness for end users.
GIE support the Commission’s intention to streamline permitting, enhance long-term network planning, and improve conditions for cross-border projects, noting that these measures should be applied consistently across all grid infrastructures. The recently published PCI and PMI list demonstrates the scale of emerging needs, with support for 100 hydrogen initiatives and 17 CO₂ infrastructure projects. Transparent and predictable rules for cross-border cost allocation and benefit sharing will be crucial to move these projects from design to delivery.
We also welcome the focus on energy highways, including two hydrogen corridor projects. All corridors and route diversification are essential to strengthen Europe’s resilience and security of supply. These corridors require close coordination and timely action at EU and national levels to overcome technical and regulatory barriers early in development. As discussions advance on revising the TEN-E framework, it is vital to ensure the use of coherent planning tools, harmonised cost-benefit methodologies and regulatory measures that provide adequate support for higher-risk infrastructure.
At the same time, GIE is concerned about two points in the proposal. First, shifting TYNDP scenario development from ENTSOs to a top-down approach led by the European Commission (JRC) risks sidelining the practical expertise of TSOs and Hydrogen Network Operators (HNOs), who are essential for realistic planning. Second, hydrogen networks will also extend offshore; however, ENNOH currently has no role in Offshore Network Development Plans (ONDPs), which remain under the purview of ENTSO-E. Hydrogen operators should be fully integrated into offshore planning alongside electricity TSOs to ensure a coherent energy system.
Close cooperation among the European Commission, ACER, both ENTSOs and ENNOH will remain critical to ensure planning processes reflect operational realities and draw on the expertise of transmission and hydrogen network operators. GIE stands ready to work with EU institutions, regulators and system operators to implement the EU Grids Package and deliver an integrated, future-proof energy system.
Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) is the association representing the interests of European gas infrastructure operators active in gas transmission, gas storage and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) regasification. GIE is a trusted partner of European institutions, regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders. It is based in Brussels, the heart of European policymaking. GIE currently represents 72 member companies from 26 countries. GIE’s vision is that by 2050, the gas infrastructure will be the backbone of the new innovative energy system, allowing European citizens to benefit from a secure, efficient and sustainable energy supply.
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