This Week in Energy — Brussels (#21, 2026)
Commission refers Spain and Poland to Court over emissions trading rules; Commission adopts tech sovereignty package for AI, cloud, energy; Delegated Regulation 2026/146 amends gas security risk groups.
May 31, 2026 to June 06, 2026
Commission refers Spain and Poland to Court over emissions trading rules; Commission adopts tech sovereignty package for AI, cloud, energy; Delegated Regulation 2026/146 amends gas security risk groups.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission refers Spain and Poland to Court of Justice for failure to transpose EU ETS rules
On 3 June 2026, the European Commission referred Spain and Poland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not transposing revised EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) legislation. Spain faces referral for failing to transpose Directive (EU) 2023/959, which amends Directive 2003/87/EC and governs greenhouse gas emission allowances within the bloc. Both Spain and Poland were referred for failing to transpose Directive (EU) 2023/958, which lays out revised emissions trading rules for the aviation sector. Member States were required to implement both Directives by 31 December 2023. Previous letters of formal notice were sent in January 2024, followed by reasoned opinions in May 2025. The Commission seeks financial sanctions and underlines that the updated rules are instrumental in achieving the 2030 targets of the European Climate Law.
Commission announces €100 million Austrian aid scheme for cleantech manufacturing
On 4 June 2026, the European Commission approved a €100 million Austrian State aid scheme to support clean technology manufacturing under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF), adopted 25 June 2025. The scheme, which complements a prior €100 million Austrian measure from December 2025, will be open to SMEs and larger enterprises investing in strategic sectors such as batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines. Aid will be provided as subsidised loans and will be available until the end of 2026. The measure aims to ensure adequate manufacturing capacity of clean technologies in compliance with Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and the conditions of the CISAF.
Commission endorses Lithuania's €884 million Social Climate Plan
The European Commission, on 4 June 2026, endorsed Lithuania's Social Climate Plan, making Lithuania the second Member State to have its plan approved under the new Social Climate Fund. The plan will mobilise €884 million by 2032, of which €663 million comes directly from the Fund. Measures include renovation support for over 40,000 vulnerable households, expansion of social housing, electric vehicle purchases, and reduced public transport fares. The Social Climate Fund, established to offset impacts of carbon pricing on vulnerable communities, is financed from the new emissions trading system for buildings, road transport, and additional sectors (ETS2), and runs from 2026 to 2032.
Commission adopts tech sovereignty package for AI, cloud, and energy digitalisation
On 2 June 2026, the Commission presented a European Technological Sovereignty Package, including legislative proposals for a Chips Act 2.0 and Cloud and AI Development Act, alongside the Open Source Strategy and a Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI in Energy. President Ursula von der Leyen stated the measures aim to reduce dependence on non-EU suppliers for core digital infrastructure. The Chips Act 2.0 builds on the 2023 version to support semiconductor capacity, while the Cloud and AI Development Act proposes tripling EU data centre capacity within 5 to 7 years. The roadmap tackles the integration of digital infrastructure into the energy system to ensure efficiency and security.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/146 updates gas supply risk groups
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/146, adopted on 22 January 2026 and published in the Official Journal on 2 June 2026, amends Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 concerning measures to safeguard gas supply security. The delegated act reorganises and reduces the number of regional risk groups in Annex I in light of new gas infrastructure, increased LNG capacity, and updated supply corridors, as reflected in simulations conducted by ENTSOG in December 2024. The revision is intended to streamline cooperation and strengthen system resilience against potential disruptions.
EU Council
Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council to address decarbonisation of transport
On 8 June 2026, ministers will exchange views on post-2030 decarbonisation of transport. The Council is set to adopt conclusions on the maritime industrial strategy and the EU ports strategy.
EP Committee Work
ENVI holds hearing on EU ETS performance and reform pathways
On 2 June 2026, the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) conducted a public hearing titled 'EU ETS: Current Performance and Pathways for the Future.' The agenda featured panels examining the state of the emissions trading system in EU industrial decarbonisation and prospective revisions to align with the 2040 climate target. Experts including Eleanor Batilliet (Heidelberg Materials), Daniel Tamchyna (Association of Chemical Industry of the Czech Republic), and Mathilde Painchart (EDF) provided insights, with the Commission represented by Beatriz Yordi, Director B, DG CLIMA.
ITRE committee discusses digitalisation and energy policy with Commissioners
The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) met on 3 June 2026 to exchange views with Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, on current energy policies and with Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, on the newly announced Technological Sovereignty Package. Discussion topics included digital and AI solutions in the energy system, sustainability of data centres, and proposals to advance Europe's cloud computing and semiconductor capacities.
What We're Reading This Week
- Seven EU ministers ask Commission to keep rules on energy pricing and invest more in clean power: EU ministers urge the Commission to maintain energy pricing regulations and boost investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
- There is no energy transition — only addition, experts say at Baku Energy Week: Global energy demand continues to rise as renewables supplement, rather than replace, fossil fuels, experts emphasize at Baku Energy Week.
- Energy transport corridors to Europe boosted by new digital systems: Advanced digital systems are enhancing efficiency and security in energy supply routes connecting Europe to global resources.
- US military strike commercial ship trying to breach Iran blockade: US forces targeted a commercial vessel attempting to violate Iran's naval blockade, escalating regional maritime tensions.
