This Week in Energy — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission acts on transposition of electricity and hydrogen rules; State aid decision on Lithuania LNG terminal; Sustainability reporting standard for value chain cap; Countervailing duties on glass fibre from Egypt.
September 21, 2026 to September 27, 2026
Commission acts on transposition of electricity and hydrogen rules; State aid decision on Lithuania LNG terminal; Sustainability reporting standard for value chain cap; Countervailing duties on glass fibre from Egypt.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Informal meeting of energy ministers: On September 28, the EU Council's Informal meeting of energy ministers configuration is scheduled to hold an informal meeting ministerial meeting in Brussels.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On September 28, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Establishing a framework of measures for the acceleration of industrial capacity and decarbonisation in strategic sectors and amending Regulations (EU) 2018/1724, (EU) 2024/1735 and (EU) 2024/3110.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On September 28, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Coordinators’ meeting.
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On September 28, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; A regulatory framework to promote the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels; Chair’s announcements.
European Commission
Commission takes action on transposition of EU electricity and hydrogen directives
The European Commission has initiated infringement procedures against multiple Member States for not fully transposing electricity market design reforms and hydrogen and decarbonised gas rules. On 24 September 2026, letters of formal notice were sent to 18 countries regarding Directive (EU) 2024/1711, which amends previous electricity directives to improve consumer choice and enable energy sharing. In parallel, 26 Member States were contacted regarding the recast Hydrogen and Decarbonised Gas Directive (EU) 2024/1788, which updates the regulatory framework for gas markets and introduces provisions for hydrogen infrastructure. Member States had deadlines in July and August 2026 to notify their national implementing measures. The Commission set a two-month period for responses and may escalate to reasoned opinions if the deficiencies are not addressed.
Commission greenlights Luxembourg's third payment request under NextGenerationEU
On 24 September 2026, the European Commission approved Luxembourg's third payment request of €92.2 million under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the main instrument of NextGenerationEU. Luxembourg demonstrated completion of all required milestones and targets, including investments in renewable energy, clean transport, and digital public services. Key achievements cited include support for 42,000 zero-emission vehicles, installation of 25 MWp photovoltaic capacity, and reforms to the biogas support scheme. The Commission's assessment will be reviewed by the Economic and Financial Committee before final disbursement.
Speech by President von der Leyen at UN on climate action and energy transition
On 22 September 2026, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed a High-Level Meeting at the United Nations, noting Europe’s increased energy independence following reductions in Russian gas imports since 2022. She described EU investments in renewables and nuclear, as well as efforts to double the share of electricity by 2040. Von der Leyen cited the need for accelerated grid connections and storage, referencing the EUR 300 billion Global Gateway initiative, with EUR 150 billion earmarked for Africa, to support global climate and energy action.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/2114 on State aid for Lithuania's LNG terminal
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/2114, published 24 September 2026, addresses State aid SA.44678 concerning Lithuania's Klaipėda LNG terminal. The decision finds that aid granted to Litgas for terminal operation between 2016 and 2018, under the LNG Supplement scheme, is compatible with the internal market under Article 106 TFEU and the 2012 SGEI Framework. The assessment follows a partial annulment by the General Court in 2021 and reviews the cost allocation and compensation methodologies for the period in question.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1560 sets voluntary sustainability reporting standard
Published 21 September 2026, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1560 establishes a voluntary sustainability reporting standard supplementing Directive 2013/34/EU. The regulation introduces a 'value chain cap' limiting information requests from undertakings with fewer than 1,000 employees, applicable to financial years from 1 January 2027. The standard is modular and aligns with recent amendments under Directive (EU) 2026/470.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2107 renews countervailing duties on glass fibre from Egypt
On 22 September 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2107, imposing a definitive countervailing duty of 13.1% on imports of continuous filament glass fibre products from Egypt. The expiry review under Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1037 found continued subsidisation and injury to the Union industry. The measure is maintained following findings of continued benefit from various subsidy schemes and increased imports.
EU Council
Upcoming informal meeting of energy ministers (TTE Council)
The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will hold an informal meeting of energy ministers on 28 September 2026.
What We're Reading This Week
- Could your rooftop earn you a €1,000 ‘sunlight salary’?: New incentives could let homeowners earn up to €1,000 annually by selling surplus solar energy from rooftop panels.
- EU Commission rejects calls to delay phase-out of Chinese power inverters: EU regulators stand firm on plans to restrict Chinese power inverters, resisting industry pressure for a postponement.
- IPCC authors include fossil fuel industry employees, posing a potential conflict of interest: Involvement of fossil fuel industry employees in IPCC authorship raises concerns over impartiality in climate change assessments.
- Iran and its allies threaten the global economy by controlling two key straits: Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab: Iranian influence over strategic maritime chokepoints raises concerns about potential disruptions to international trade and energy supplies.
- TotalEnergies refused rescue aid during deadly Mozambique attack, inquest hears: Testimony reveals TotalEnergies declined rescue assistance for workers during the fatal Mozambique insurgent assault, raising questions about company protocols.
