This Week in Energy — Brussels (#14, 2026)
EP committees advance ETS2 reserve changes; Market Stability Reserve for buildings and transport debated; Parliament report on market stability adopted; Commission details Mediterranean renewable energy initiative.
April 12, 2026 to April 18, 2026
EP committees advance ETS2 reserve changes; Market Stability Reserve for buildings and transport debated; Parliament report on market stability adopted; Commission details Mediterranean renewable energy initiative.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On April 20, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Structured dialogue with Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space.
European Commission
Commission outlines Mediterranean Pact Action Plan, includes renewable energy cooperation
On 16 April 2026, the European Commission presented the first Action Plan under the Pact for the Mediterranean, aiming to implement over 100 initiatives with Southern Mediterranean partners. The plan includes the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean-Tech Cooperation Initiative (T-MED), designed to accelerate renewable energy, grid, and clean-tech projects through public and private investment. The Action Plan, launched in Brussels, features measures to improve regional connectivity, submarine cables, and regulatory cooperation for electricity and digital sectors. The Mediterranean University Initiative and Youth Parliamentary Assembly are also included to foster innovation and policy engagement. The plan’s next iteration is expected in autumn 2026 and will be tracked via an interactive online webpage.
EU Council
Energy ministers discuss response to fuel price volatility
Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council ministers met by video conference on 21 April 2026 to address responses to ongoing fuel price volatility. Discussions focused on measures to increase transport resilience and ensure coordination among Member States during the current crisis.
EP Committee Work
ENVI committee adopts report on Market Stability Reserve for ETS2
On 15 April 2026, the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) adopted its report on the Commission’s proposal to amend the Market Stability Reserve (MSR) for the new Emissions Trading System covering buildings and road transport (ETS2). The committee proposes to accelerate release of allowances from the MSR in response to price spikes and supports a gradual cancellation of unused allowances between 2034 and 2036. The report also requests the Commission assess the extension and indexation of the €45/tCO2 cap and calls for a comprehensive impact assessment on the social effects and climate impact of ETS2, as well as potential exemptions for residential buildings if Member States meet effort sharing targets through alternative measures.
REGI committee issues opinion on Connecting Europe Facility for 2028–2034
On 16 April 2026, the Committee on Regional Development (REGI) adopted its opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for 2028–2034 (COM(2025)0547). Rapporteur Antonella Sberna (ECR) stresses the need for CEF-supported investments to address regional disparities, support the completion of trans-European transport and energy networks, and improve accessibility for disadvantaged, rural, and outermost regions. The opinion highlights the importance of cross-border infrastructure, integration of urban nodes, and strengthening the resilience of energy grids, with a focus on complementarity with other EU programmes and the involvement of local and regional authorities.
ENVI committee report on ETS2 Market Stability Reserve published
On 17 April 2026, the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) published its report on the Commission proposal amending Decision (EU) 2015/1814 regarding the Market Stability Reserve for buildings, road transport, and additional sectors (COM(2025)0738). Rapporteur Danuše Nerudová (PPE) includes amendments to accelerate the release of allowances in case of price spikes, introduces a phased invalidation of unused allowances, and calls for additional social safeguards. The report urges Member States to use auction revenues to complement their Social Climate Plans and requests the Commission assess prolongation of the price cap and the social impacts of ETS2.
What We're Reading This Week
- Video. US to blockade Iranian ports, risking wider war over Strait of Hormuz: Washington's plan to blockade Iranian ports escalates tensions and heightens the risk of broader conflict in the Persian Gulf.
- Zelenskyy will fix Druzhba oil pipeline as he counts on Hungary to lift EU loan veto: Ukraine pledges to repair a key oil pipeline amid hopes Hungary will lift its veto on EU financial aid.
- €500m per day: Europe counts the cost of indecision over energy: Europe faces soaring daily energy costs as delayed policy decisions hinder progress toward energy security and affordability.
- There is no coal comeback: Coal demand continues to decline as renewable energy and regulatory pressures reshape the global energy landscape.
- EU Commission backs renewables and nuclear to shield Europe from fossil-fuel Gulf turmoil: EU prioritizes renewables and nuclear energy to reduce reliance on unstable Gulf fossil fuel supplies and bolster energy security.
