This Week in Energy — Brussels (#11, 2026)
Commission approves €5bn Danish offshore wind aid; New French hydrogen schemes; Anti-dumping rules extended in steel sector; EP debates energy security; Energy Charter Treaty interpretation agreement.
March 22, 2026 to March 28, 2026
Commission approves €5bn Danish offshore wind aid; New French hydrogen schemes; Anti-dumping rules extended in steel sector; EP debates energy security; Energy Charter Treaty interpretation agreement.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📝 EP Motions & Questions
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Informal video conference of energy ministers: On March 31, the EU Council's Informal video conference of energy ministers configuration is scheduled to hold an informal meeting ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
Commission approves €5 billion Danish State aid scheme for offshore wind
The European Commission approved a €5 billion Danish scheme to support offshore wind energy, in line with the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted on 25 June 2025. The Danish measure will support the construction and operation of two offshore wind farms, Hesselø and North Sea I Mid, with a combined capacity of at least 1.8 GW and an estimated annual generation of 7.8 TWh. Aid will be provided as a monthly variable premium under a two-way contract for difference, awarded via competitive bidding. The Commission found the scheme necessary, appropriate and proportionate to accelerate the net-zero transition under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU. The measure is expected to represent approximately 25% of Denmark's annual electricity production.
Commission approves €500 million Luxembourgish cleantech manufacturing State aid scheme
The European Commission approved a €500 million Luxembourgish aid scheme to support investment in clean technology manufacturing capacity. The measure, notified under the CISAF, will grant direct investment support for strategic cleantech manufacturing projects, including solar, wind, heat pumps, and batteries, as well as critical raw materials. The scheme will run until 31 December 2030 and is open to companies across Luxembourg. The Commission concluded that the scheme meets EU State aid rules and is necessary and proportionate to accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy.
Commission approves French State aid scheme for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production
The European Commission approved a French scheme to support the production of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and the 2022 Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy. The scheme will support the construction of 1 GW of hydrogen electrolysis capacity through three competitive tender rounds, with the first round covering 200 MW and a budget of €797 million. Aid will take the form of a fixed premium for hydrogen sold for direct industrial use. The measure is expected to help France meet its EU climate targets and reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions.
Commission approves €144 million French State aid for HyforSeeds hydrogen project
The Commission approved €144 million in State aid for HyforSeeds, a subsidiary of Hynamics, to establish a 50 MW renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production unit at LAT Nitrogen's site in Haut Rhin, France. The project aims to replace up to 15% of fossil-based hydrogen in ammonia production with renewable hydrogen, reducing CO2 emissions by at least 70% compared to traditional methods. The aid, provided as a direct grant, will support the investment costs and is expected to avoid over 46,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Commission greenlights Latvia's fourth NextGenerationEU payment request
The Commission positively assessed Latvia's fourth payment request for €371 million under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). Latvia has completed 24 milestones and 17 targets tied to reforms and investments in energy efficiency, flood risk management, health, digitalisation, and anti-money laundering. The payment will bring total RRF funds paid to Latvia to €1.46 billion, representing 74% of the plan.
Commission details €34.6 billion reallocation to EU strategic priorities
The Commission announced that Member States have reprogrammed €34.6 billion in cohesion policy funds for 2021-2027 towards strategic priorities, including competitiveness, defence, affordable housing, water resilience, and energy connectivity. €1.2 billion is earmarked for energy interconnectors and related infrastructure in eleven Member States. The mid-term review, adopted in September 2025, allowed for these reallocations and enhanced financial conditions, especially for eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
Commission registers European Citizens' Initiative on sustainable transport
The Commission registered a European Citizens' Initiative titled 'Fast, convenient, affordable, and above all climate-friendly transportation for all Europeans,' seeking to make rail travel a strong alternative to aviation. Proposals include an EU-wide aviation fuel tax, removal of VAT exemptions, and allocation of revenues to a European rail organisation. The initiative can proceed to collect signatures for possible Commission action.
Commission scenario analysis on Middle East crisis energy impacts
At the Eurogroup press conference, Commissioner Dombrovskis presented scenario analyses showing that continued disruptions in Middle East energy supply could lower EU growth by up to 0.6 percentage points in 2026 and 2027 and raise inflation by up to 1 percentage point. The Commission is preparing proposals for temporary tax measures on electricity and updates to the Emissions Trading System to address price volatility.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Agreement on the interpretation and application of the Energy Charter Treaty
Published in OJ L 2026/757 on 27 March 2026 (CELEX: 32026A0757), the EU and its Member States adopted an agreement to clarify that Article 26 of the Energy Charter Treaty does not serve as a legal basis for intra-EU arbitration proceedings. The agreement reaffirms the primacy of EU law and the exclusive competence of the Court of Justice of the EU in interpreting Union law, following the Komstroy and Achmea judgments.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/709 extends anti-dumping duties in cast fittings sector
On 24 March 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/709 (OJ L 2026/709) extending anti-dumping duties imposed by Regulation (EU) 2025/1890 on imports of threaded tube or pipe cast fittings from China to cover unthreaded malleable cast iron fittings. The extended duty is 57.8% for 'all other imports' from China. Several exemption requests were granted after company-specific assessments.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/704 amends graphite electrode anti-dumping duties
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/704 of 23 March 2026 (OJ L 2026/704) amends Regulation (EU) 2022/558 regarding anti-dumping duties on certain graphite electrode systems from China. The regulation addresses changes in company structures and corresponding duty rates.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/702 amends biodiesel anti-dumping and countervailing duties
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/702 (OJ L 2026/702) amends Regulations (EU) 2021/1266 and 2021/1267, concerning anti-dumping and countervailing duties on biodiesel imports from the United States. The amendment updates company names and eligibility for individual duty rates.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/718 sets minimum environmental requirements for net-zero tech procurement
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/718 (OJ L 2026/718) lays down rules for applying Regulation (EU) 2024/1735, establishing minimum environmental sustainability requirements in public procurement for certain net-zero technologies, including a 70% recyclability rate for wind turbine blades. The regulation enters into force on 30 June 2026.
EFTA Surveillance Authority Decision No 202/25/COL: Waste incineration excise duty exemption in Norway
EFTA Surveillance Authority Decision No 202/25/COL of 10 December 2025 (OJ L 2026/740) finds that Norway's exemption from the excise duty on waste incineration for undertakings covered by the EU Emissions Trading System does not constitute State aid under Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement.
European Parliament
Parliament debates energy security and market stability in current geopolitical context
On 25 March 2026, the Parliament held a debate on 'Energy security, independence and supply in the geopolitical context – ensuring market stability and affordable energy for industry and citizens' (2026/2653(RSP)). Statements from the Council and Commission addressed current energy market volatility and EU responses.
EU Council
Energy ministers discuss coordinated response to Middle East-driven energy price spike
On 31 March 2026, EU energy ministers held an informal video conference, addressing the impact of the Middle East conflict on oil and gas markets and agreeing on the need for coordinated EU and national measures to mitigate high energy prices and ensure secure supply ahead of winter.
Eurogroup reviews Middle East crisis impact on EU energy and economy
The Eurogroup met on 27 March 2026 to assess the economic impact of the Middle East crisis, focusing on energy markets. Ministers, joined by International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol, discussed targeted and temporary policy measures to support vulnerable households and businesses.
EP Motions & Questions
Verts/ALE, S&D, and The Left motion on carbon removals certification methodologies
Michael Bloss (Verts/ALE), Tiemo Wölken (S&D), and Martin Günther (The Left) tabled a resolution objecting to the Commission delegated regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3012 on certification methodologies for permanent carbon removals, citing concerns over the treatment of biochar carbon removal and environmental integrity.
EP Committee Work
ITRE Committee debates phase-out of Russian nuclear energy and energy security
On 23 March 2026, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) held a topical debate on ending dependence on Russian energy, focusing on the Russian nuclear phase-out. The meeting also included structured dialogue with Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva and the adoption of proposals for pilot projects for 2027.
ITRE considers draft reports on nuclear decommissioning and safety cooperation
On 24 March 2026, ITRE reviewed draft reports on the Nuclear Decommissioning Assistance Programme for Ignalina (Rapporteur: Virginijus Sinkevičius, Verts/ALE) and the Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation and Decommissioning (Rapporteur: Sophie Wilmès, Renew) for 2028-2034. Deadlines for amendments were set for 26 March 2026.
ITRE discusses Horizon Europe 2028-2034 and Connecting Europe Facility
ITRE held initial debates on the draft report for Horizon Europe 2028-2034 (Rapporteur: Christian Ehler, PPE) and the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe (Rapporteur: René Repasi, S&D), with a deadline for amendments on 9 April 2026. The committee also took up the draft report on the Connecting Europe Facility (Rapporteur: Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez).
SEDE adopts opinion on Horizon Europe regulation with defence dimension
On 23 March 2026, the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) adopted its opinion (Rapporteur: Costas Mavrides) on the Horizon Europe regulation for 2028-2034, proposing provisions for dual-use technologies, enhanced governance, and fast-track mechanisms for promising defence applications. The opinion stresses coordination with the European Competitiveness Fund.
What We're Reading This Week
- EU delays proposal to ban Russian oil amid Iran war, price spikes and Druzhba row: EU postpones Russian oil ban plan as conflict in Iran, rising prices, and Druzhba pipeline disputes heighten energy concerns.
- Can a new generation of hydropower dams save the energy transition?: Emerging hydropower technologies promise cleaner energy but face environmental and social challenges in the global shift from fossil fuels.
- Soaring AI demand spurs roll-out of long duration energy storage: Rising AI power needs accelerate investment and deployment of long-duration energy storage solutions to stabilize electricity supply.
- It will take the oil market three to five months to return to normal even after a potential ceasefire: Oil market recovery is expected to remain sluggish, with normalization projected to take three to five months post-ceasefire.
- Iran threatens to hit Middle East power plants as Hormuz crisis grows: Iran escalates regional tensions by warning it may target power infrastructure amid the worsening Strait of Hormuz standoff.
