The Commission has held a high-level Implementation Dialogue on permitting for renewable energy projects and related energy infrastructure in Brussels today (11 June), hosted by Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen.
As lengthy, complex and frequently unpredictable permitting processes are a major bottleneck that often delays new projects in the clean energy transition, overcoming these challenges is essential to achieving the EU legal goal of at least 42.5% renewable energy in final energy consumption by 2030. By discussing these issues with a wide range of high-level stakeholders, NGOs, policy makers and other interested parties, this event aimed to contribute to the energy policy debate on accelerating the deployment of renewable energy and related infrastructure in the EU. It also responded to President von der Leyen’s call to hold in-depth discussions with relevant stakeholders on the implementation of EU legislation on the ground.
Earlier this year, the European Commission adopted the Competitiveness Compass, which sets a clear framework for Europe to become the place where future technologies, services, and clean products are invented, manufactured, and put on the market, while being the first continent to become climate neutral.
This was followed by the Clean Industrial Deal, outlining concrete actions to turn decarbonisation into a driver of growth for European industries. In parallel, the Commission published the Action Plan for Affordable Energy, setting out measures to lower energy bills in the short-term while accelerating the implementation of cost-saving structural reforms and strengthening our energy systems to mitigate future price shocks.
Background
Wednesday’s event took place in the framework of the European Sustainable Energy Week, a prominent annual conference focused on renewables and energy efficiency that brings together key stakeholders from the sector. The aim was to gather ideas on how the measures taken at EU level since 2022 to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects are working. This refers in particular to the provisions in the new Renewable Energy Directive (2023/2413) and the Emergency Regulation (EU/2024/223) on addressing barriers and accelerating permitting for renewables and related infrastructure. As well as discussing whether they are delivering the intended results, the session considered what additional actions may be needed.
Simplified permitting processes are not only vital for achieving climate targets, but also for enhancing energy security, driving innovation and competitiveness, and supporting economic growth. As such, this event complements Commissioner Roswall’s Implementation Dialogue on environmental assessment and permitting.
This is the first Implementation Dialogue that Commissioner Jørgensen is hosting in 2025. These meetings will be held by Commissioners twice per year. The main purpose is to strengthen and boost European competitiveness by seeking feedback from stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of EU policies and the simplification of EU rules and spending programs.
