This Week in Energy — Brussels (#23, 2026)
Commission clears €1bn Slovak cleantech aid; ETS auctioning rules updated; Review of free allowance allocation 2026-2030; Council to discuss energy decarbonisation, European grids.
June 14, 2026 to June 20, 2026
Commission clears €1bn Slovak cleantech aid; ETS auctioning rules updated; Review of free allowance allocation 2026-2030; Council to discuss energy decarbonisation, European grids.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings.
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Council Directive 96/53/EC laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On June 24, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, (EU) 2024/1788 as regards acceleration of permit-granting procedures; Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards the extension of its scope to downstream goods and anti-circumvention measures.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On June 25, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; *** End of electronic vote ***; Establishing the Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation (AGILE).
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On June 25, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Regulations (EC) No 1907/2006, (EC) No 1272/2008, (EU) No 528/2012, (EU) 2019/1021 and (EU) 2021/697 as regards defence readiness and facilitating defence investments and conditions for defence industry; Chair’s announcements; *** End of electronic vote ***.
European Commission
Commission approves €1 billion Slovak State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing
On 16 June 2026, the European Commission approved a €1 billion Slovak scheme to expand manufacturing capacity for clean technology consistent with the Clean Industrial Deal. The aid, notified under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted on 25 June 2025, will be accessible to SMEs and large enterprises via grants and income tax relief for investments in cleantech manufacturing. The CISAF allows support for renewables, energy storage, low-carbon fuels, industrial decarbonisation, and strategic clean technology projects, in line with the Net Zero Industry Act, until 31 December 2030. The Commission concluded the Slovakia measure satisfies Article 107(3)(c) TFEU, with the non-confidential decision to be published under State aid case SA.122800.
Commission greenlights Bulgaria's fourth RRF payment request, advances energy sector reforms
On 18 June 2026, the European Commission gave preliminary approval to Bulgaria's fourth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, finding 23 of 26 milestones completed. Decarbonisation measures featured prominently, including BEH restructuring to avoid cross-subsidisation of coal, establishment of a National Fund for Decarbonisation, and support for nearly 1,400 solar or PV systems for households. Additional targets include new public service contracts for rail and legal frameworks promoting low-emission transport. The energy-related milestones align with the Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation and Commission guidelines of 21 February 2023. The Economic and Financial Committee will deliver its opinion within four weeks; outstanding milestones must be fulfilled by 31 August 2026.
President von der Leyen issues statement on US-Iran agreement and energy security
On 14 June 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the US-Iran agreement enabling immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting its significance for global energy flows and stability. Von der Leyen noted that the crisis has again demonstrated the strategic risk of energy route dependencies and announced that alternative export corridors to lessen dependence on the Hormuz bottleneck will be discussed at the G7 meeting in Evian. She reiterated support for restoring regional stability and called on all parties to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/787 updates auctioning rules under the EU Emissions Trading System
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/787 of 8 April 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2023/2830 regarding the timing and administration of auctioning greenhouse gas emission allowances, notably for the separate ETS covering fuels in building, transport, and other sectors. It clarifies auction day arrangements, requires auctions for allowances under Chapter IVa to start from 2027, and aligns volumes with Member States’ national law readiness. The regulation also removes specific authorisation requirements for certain proxy bidders and updates conduct requirements. Entry into force is immediate upon publication.
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1312 sets Member States' national implementation measures for free allocation of ETS allowances 2026–2030
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1312 of 15 June 2026 confirms the approval of National Implementation Measures (NIMs) for transitional free allocation of greenhouse gas emission allowances as required under Article 11(3) of Directive 2003/87/EC. The NIMs, submitted by 25 Member States, form the basis for free allocations from 2026 to 2030. The decision excludes certain installations in Spain and Sweden not aligned with criteria for inclusion. The measure ensures harmonised allocation and compliance with Commission guidance documents and EU ETS rules.
Commission initiates review of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on biodiesel imports from the United States
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1341 of 17 June 2026 initiates a review of Implementing Regulations (EU) 2021/1266 and 2021/1267 concerning definitive anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of biodiesel originating in the United States, following an expiry review under Regulations (EU) 2016/1036 and 2016/1037. The request, submitted by Braya Renewable Fuels (Newfoundland) LP, Canada, may result in its exemption from extended measures on Canadian consignments. Affected parties are invited to provide evidence within the defined investigation period.
EFTA Surveillance Authority adjusts State aid guidelines in line with amended ETS compensation rules
EFTA Surveillance Authority Decision 2026/1374 of 4 March 2026 amends guidelines on certain State aid measures in the context of EU ETS allowance trading, ensuring alignment with the European Commission’s updated State aid rules. The decision increases eligible sectors, revises compensation calculation methods, and introduces procedures to prevent double compensation for installations receiving free allowances. The changes apply from 1 January 2026 for most provisions and reflect recent EU regulatory amendments.
EU Council
Energy ministers to review European grids package and discuss post-2030 decarbonisation
The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) will meet on 26 June 2026 to seek agreement on the general approach to the European grids package. Ministers will also exchange views on energy decarbonisation objectives beyond 2030 and the Middle East crisis' impacts on the EU energy sector.
EP Committee Work
ENVIRONMENT committee opinions and draft reports address permitting and legislative simplification
On 16 June 2026, ENVI committee rapporteur Rasmus Nordqvist issued an opinion regarding the proposal to amend Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, and (EU) 2024/1788, focusing on acceleration of permit-granting procedures for renewable and grid projects.
ENVI committee draft report proposes administrative simplification for key environmental directives
Susana Solís Pérez (rapporteur) presented the ENVI draft report of 16 June 2026 on amending Directives 2008/98/EC, 2010/75/EU, (EU) 2015/2193, and (EU) 2024/1785 to simplify requirements and reduce administrative burden, with potential implications for operators in the energy and industrial sectors.
What We're Reading This Week
- Why Spain’s electricity bills have fallen during an energy crisis: Lower wholesale prices and strong renewable energy output are driving a sharp reduction in electricity bills for Spanish consumers.
- Global capital sees potential in Europe but urges lighter regulation: International investors express optimism for European markets but warn that excessive regulation could hinder growth and capital inflow.
- €75bn investment pipeline takes centre stage at TIIF 2026: Major infrastructure projects worth €75 billion attract investor attention and shape discussions at TIIF 2026.
- Germany, Poland, Romania accused of locking EU into fossil fuels: Environmental groups warn that Germany, Poland, and Romania are hindering Europe's shift to clean energy by supporting fossil fuel investments.
- Mines, broken logistics, damaged infrastructure: it will take months to restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz: Experts warn that shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz may persist for months due to extensive mines and infrastructure damage.
