The European Parliament has adopted a set of key proposals aimed at strengthening and modernising Europe's electricity grids. The move comes in response to growing concerns over grid resilience, particularly after the major blackout that affected the Iberian Peninsula and parts of France on 28 April 2025.

With 418 votes in favour, 112 against, and 45 abstentions, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) backed the EU Grid Action Plan and called for more integrated energy infrastructure, simplified permitting procedures, and a significant boost in investment to achieve the EU's clean energy transition and energy security goals.

Investment needed by 2030

According to the European Commission, €584 billion must be invested in electricity infrastructure by the end of the decade. These investments will support cross-border interconnectors, modernise distribution networks, and remove grid bottlenecks that currently lead to the curtailment of renewable energy production.

The report emphasises the need for both public and private funding, urging clearer and more effective rules to attract investment. MEPs also stressed that grid tariffs should reflect actual costs to ensure fair access and financial sustainability.

Lessons from the Iberian blackout

Lead MEP Anna Sturgkh (Renew, Austria) stated: “The Iberian blackout was a painful demonstration of how vulnerable our grids remain. It didn’t show the failure of the Energy Union – quite the opposite. Thanks to cross-border interconnectors, France was able to step in immediately. Now the Commission must act decisively to prioritise planning and coordination on grids and storage – or we will keep lurching from one crisis to the next.”

She added that Parliament is sending a “clear and strong signal” to the Commission to maintain a well-funded Connecting Europe Facility for Energy in the next multiannual financial framework, and to make EU-managed funds more accessible to Member States for grid upgrades.

The European Commission issued a guidance document on 2 June and is expected to present a comprehensive European Grids Package by the end of 2025.

A smarter, more resilient grid for Europe

The Parliament also called for more coordinated planning at the European level to connect national infrastructures, regions, and sectors. Better integration of renewable energy into the grid, more cross-border links, and increased public engagement are considered essential for a successful and fair energy transition.

As the EU advances toward its 2030 climate and energy targets, MEPs made it clear: without robust, modernised electricity grids, the energy transition is at risk. Europe must invest not only in renewables but also in the infrastructure that makes their use possible.