This Week in Energy — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission selects 46 new critical raw materials projects; Council adopts energy network code decisions with EEA; Parliament preps for European Council on energy prices; Morocco-EU PRIMA agreement extended.
October 05, 2026 to October 11, 2026
Commission selects 46 new critical raw materials projects; Council adopts energy network code decisions with EEA; Parliament preps for European Council on energy prices; Morocco-EU PRIMA agreement extended.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission selects 46 new Strategic Projects to bolster critical raw materials supply
The European Commission on 8 October 2026 announced the selection of 46 new Strategic Projects in 16 Member States under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), aiming to strengthen EU supply chains and diversify sources of critical raw materials. These projects span extraction, processing, recycling, and integrated activities, and address 15 of the 17 strategic raw materials identified in the CRMA. The initiative is expected to contribute to the EU's 2030 targets: extracting at least 10%, processing 40%, and recycling 25% of annual consumption, with no more than 65% sourced from a single third country at any stage. The latest selection follows 47 projects chosen in March 2025 and 13 in third countries and Overseas Countries and Territories in June 2025. The projects are expected to require approximately €21.1 billion in capital investment and benefit from streamlined permitting procedures introduced by the CRMA. The Commission will launch a new call for projects at the end of 2026.
Commission details targets and operational support for Critical Raw Materials strategic projects
In a Q&A published 8 October 2026, the Commission outlined the criteria and expected impact of Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Strategic Projects. Strategic status is granted to projects that contribute significantly to the EU’s security of supply, technical feasibility, sustainability, and cross-border benefits. The CRMA sets targets for 2030: extract 10%, process 40%, and recycle 25% of annual EU demand for critical raw materials. The latest call brings the EU total to 93 strategic projects, with additional projects in third countries forthcoming. These initiatives are supported by an operational nucleus within the Commission and will be assisted by the forthcoming EU CRM Centre, as announced in the ResourceEU Action Plan. Project promoters benefit from streamlined permitting, access to financing mechanisms, and support in building supply chains, but strategic status does not guarantee EU funding.
Executive Vice-President Séjourné remarks on progress and next steps for critical raw materials policy
On 8 October 2026, Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné delivered remarks detailing the EU’s progress on critical raw materials policy following the selection of new Strategic Projects. He referenced the impact of Chinese export restrictions and underlined the operational progress of the first 47 projects selected in 2025, including permitting and financing milestones. The speech highlighted the role of RESourceEU in accelerating funding and coordination, as well as the upcoming establishment of the European Centre for Critical Raw Materials. Séjourné cited project examples in Finland, France, and Greece, and addressed the ongoing challenge of securing long-term offtake agreements for EU producers. He confirmed a further expansion of strategic projects to non-EU countries and upcoming initiatives to support the competitiveness of European industry.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2239: Incorporation of network code on harmonised transmission tariff structures for gas into EEA Agreement
On 24 September 2026, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2026/2239, amending Annex IV (Energy) to the EEA Agreement to include Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/460 on harmonised transmission tariff structures for gas. The decision enables the application of these tariff structures across EEA EFTA States, ensuring consistency in the EU’s internal energy market.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2237: Incorporation of network code on interoperability and data exchange rules into EEA Agreement
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2237, adopted 24 September 2026, incorporates Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/703 on interoperability and data exchange rules for gas transmission networks into Annex IV (Energy) of the EEA Agreement. This measure supports the integration and harmonisation of gas markets within the EEA.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2255: Position on EEA Joint Committee amendment for gas balancing network code
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2255 of 24 September 2026 sets the EU position on amending Annex IV (Energy) of the EEA Agreement to include Commission Regulation (EU) No 312/2014, establishing a Network Code on Gas Balancing of Transmission Networks. This decision aims to align EEA EFTA States with EU gas balancing rules.
European Parliament
Parliament plenary debates energy prices and competitiveness ahead of European Council
On 5 October 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament in preparation for the European Council meeting of 15-16 October. The speech focused on high energy prices, the EU’s reduced dependence on Russian gas, and the need for targeted support for vulnerable households and industries. Von der Leyen outlined ongoing measures including AccelerateEU, state aid frameworks, and joint procurement for energy, as well as upcoming proposals to boost electrification and infrastructure investment.
EU Council
Eurogroup discusses energy market developments and public finance efficiency
The Eurogroup on 8 October 2026 examined the implications of recent energy market trends for the euro area economy, with ministers addressing exchange rate dynamics and fiscal policy effectiveness.
What We're Reading This Week
- 'Europe should evolve its carbon market, not dilute it,' investors say: Investors urge policymakers to strengthen and adapt Europe's carbon market to ensure effective climate action and market stability.
- Inside this country's push into international clean energy: Government-backed initiatives accelerate global investments as the nation aims to become a major player in the clean energy sector.
- ‘Big mistake to believe we're off the hook in Europe and beyond’ – IEA: IEA warns that energy security risks persist in Europe and globally despite recent improvements in supply and prices.
- In Aberdeen, the slow twilight of North Sea oil and gas: Aberdeen faces economic uncertainty as declining North Sea oil and gas production signals a shift away from fossil fuels.
