This Week in Energy — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission refers Bulgaria, Finland, Belgium to Court of Justice; Spain authorised to cut fuel excise; G7 acts on energy market volatility; RRF final payment phase; New harmonised standards for energy equipment.
September 28, 2026 to October 04, 2026
Commission refers Bulgaria, Finland, Belgium to Court of Justice; Spain authorised to cut fuel excise; G7 acts on energy market volatility; RRF final payment phase; New harmonised standards for energy equipment.
📋 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
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On October 05, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Connecting Europe through high-speed rail.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On October 08, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Directive (EU) 2022/2555 as regards simplification measures and alignment with the [Proposal for the Cybersecurity Act 2]; Amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, (EU) 2024/1788 as regards acceleration of permit-granting procedures.
European Commission
Commission refers Bulgaria to Court of Justice for incomplete transposition of EU electricity market rules
The European Commission decided on 30 September 2026 to refer Bulgaria (INFR(2021)0015) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to fully transpose Directive (EU) 2019/944 on common rules for the internal market for electricity. The Directive, which amends Directive 2012/27/EU, sets out requirements for the generation, transmission, distribution, storage, and supply of electricity, including consumer protection provisions. Bulgaria was required to transpose the Directive by 31 December 2020 but key gaps remain, notably on third-party network access, authorisation procedures, consumer rights, and the powers and duties of the national regulatory authority. The Commission is requesting the Court to impose financial sanctions in accordance with Article 260(3) TFEU and continues infringement procedures against 10 Member States regarding this Directive.
Commission refers Finland to Court of Justice for failure to align with Seveso III Directive on industrial accidents
On 30 September 2026, the European Commission referred Finland (INFR(2020)2218) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not aligning national rules with Directive 2012/18/EU (Seveso III Directive) on preventing major industrial accidents involving dangerous substances. The Commission notes shortcomings in Finland's transposition related to inspections, public access to information, and access to justice. The infringement procedure was initiated in July 2020 with a formal notice, followed by a reasoned opinion in December 2025. The matter concerns the effectiveness of enforcement and citizens’ rights, particularly regarding information disclosure and coordinated inspections.
Commission refers Belgium to Court of Justice over recognition of investor-State arbitration awards linked to renewable energy
The European Commission has referred Belgium (INFR(2025)2199) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for recognising investor-State arbitration awards without Commission approval as required by EU State aid rules. The case arises from arbitration decisions following changes to renewable energy schemes. The Commission asserts that such awards may constitute unlawful State aid per Article 108(3) TFEU and infringe the autonomy of EU law. Belgium had received a letter of formal notice in December 2025 and a reasoned opinion in April 2026 but did not address the infringement.
Commission approves €170 million Bulgarian State aid for farmers facing energy cost shocks
On 1 October 2026, the Commission approved a €170 million Bulgarian State aid scheme for farmers to counter increased fuel and fertiliser costs, under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF, adopted 29 April 2026). The scheme, running until 31 December 2026, takes the form of direct grants up to €50,000 per company. It was found compatible with Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and METSAF, as it is deemed necessary, appropriate, and proportionate, targeting primary agricultural producers most affected by the energy price shocks linked to the Middle East crisis.
G7 leaders agree coordinated measures on global energy security and market stability
On 1 October 2026, the G7 leaders issued a joint statement addressing volatility in oil markets and announcing coordinated steps to stabilise energy supplies. Measures include synchronising refinery maintenance, increasing utilisation rates, and engaging with countries holding significant refining capacity. A coordinated release of 100 million barrels through the IEA will begin immediately, including a frontloaded diesel release. The G7 reaffirmed commitments against energy export restrictions and requested the IEA to monitor implementation and report within 20 days. The statement also condemned disruptions to international trade in the Strait of Hormuz and maintained sanctions on Russia.
Commission greenlights final payment requests under Recovery and Resilience Facility
By 30 September 2026, all EU Member States submitted their final payment requests under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The implementation period ended 31 August 2026, with €360 billion in grants and €213 billion in loans covered. The Commission is assessing the fulfilment of milestones and targets before final payments, which must be made by 31 December 2026. President Ursula von der Leyen, Executive VP Raffaele Fitto, and Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis marked this as a major milestone in the EU’s COVID-19 and energy crisis response.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Spain authorised to apply reduced excise rates on fuel in response to energy price shocks
Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2194 of 22 September 2026 authorises Spain to apply reduced excise rates on gas oil and unleaded petrol used as motor fuels, pursuant to Article 19 of Directive 2003/96/EC. The measure, effective until 30 September 2026, is a response to energy price increases triggered by the Middle East crisis. The temporary reduction is considered proportionate and time-limited, balancing emergency affordability goals with EU environmental policy.
Harmonised standards updated for refrigerating systems, heat pumps, LPG equipment, and welding under Pressure Equipment Directive
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2211 of 1 October 2026 amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/165, updating harmonised standards for equipment including refrigerating systems and heat pumps, LPG equipment, cryogenic vessels, and welding and brazing, in support of Directive 2014/68/EU. The new and revised standards are published in the Official Journal and confer presumption of conformity with the essential safety requirements of the directive.
EU position set on amendments to international agreements for carriage of dangerous goods
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2233 of 28 September 2026 establishes the EU position on amendments to the Annexes of the ADR (road) and ADN (inland waterways) agreements. The decision mandates Member States that are contracting parties to act jointly in the interest of the Union on these amendments, which affect Directive 2008/68/EC on inland transport of dangerous goods.
EEA Agreement: Network code on gas capacity allocation mechanisms incorporated
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2223 of 24 September 2026 sets the EU position within the EEA Joint Committee on amending Annex IV (Energy) to incorporate Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/459 on network code for capacity allocation mechanisms in gas transmission systems. This alignment supports harmonisation of gas market rules across the EEA.
EU Council
Energy ministers hold informal meeting amid market volatility
An informal meeting of energy ministers under the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council took place on 28 September 2026.
What We're Reading This Week
- Video. Oil hovers around $100 as US bonds suffer worst quarter since 1994: Oil prices remain elevated near $100 while US bonds endure their steepest quarterly losses in nearly three decades.
- Video. Greece urges EU to loosen fiscal rules as energy crisis deepens: Greece calls on European Union leaders to relax budget restrictions to cope with mounting costs from the escalating energy crisis.
- Video. Ukraine hit by power cuts after Russian strikes, grid operator says: Russian missile strikes damage Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, prompting widespread power outages and emergency measures by the grid operator.
- Underground fire: Blaze in German lignite mine cannot be extinguished: Authorities say the persistent underground fire in a German lignite mine may burn for years, posing environmental and health risks.
- Europe’s energy security has a Black Sea opportunity: New gas discoveries and infrastructure in the Black Sea could strengthen Europe's energy independence and reduce reliance on Russia.
