The European Union’s new European Grids Package — a comprehensive regulatory framework for electricity and gas infrastructure — was formally adopted today (26 June 2026) by the EU Council of Energy Ministers in Luxembourg. First presented by the European Commission on 10 December 2025, the package marks a pivotal shift toward treating energy networks as pan-European assets rather than strictly national ones — a principle Greece had championed since 2023.
Greek Leadership in Shaping the Package
Greece’s influence is deeply embedded in the final text. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underscored this vision early, sending a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in January 2025 calling for a new EU strategy on cross-border energy infrastructure. This stance was consistently advanced by Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastaurou and Deputy Minister Nikos Tsafos in key EU forums throughout the negotiations.
Speaking at today’s Council meeting, Minister Papastaurou emphasized Greece’s strong support: “Greece has been an enthusiastic supporter from day one. We backed this regulation not because we consider it perfect, but because it opens the path to a stronger internal energy market and a more robust Energy Union — something absolutely essential.”
He stressed that deeper energy integration is a prerequisite for ensuring affordable and secure energy for European citizens. He also warned that failure to reach agreement would have been “a tremendous disappointment”, highlighting the urgency of collective action.
A Balanced Step Forward
Papastaurou noted that while all member states have reservations, the broader picture is positive: “We’re taking a constructive step toward better coordination of Europe’s internal energy market. I believe a good balance has been struck between cooperation and national autonomy.”
He also drew attention to the growing need to protect critical energy infrastructure — especially subsea cables and cross-border grids — noting that threats come from multiple directions, not only from Russia. This reinforces the necessity of a shared EU resilience and security strategy.
A New Philosophy for Energy Infrastructure
At its core, the Grids Package introduces a new approach to planning and managing Europe’s energy networks. It mandates greater EU-level coordination, accelerates permitting procedures, simplifies rules for cross-border projects, and ensures fairer cost-sharing among benefiting member states.
This philosophy closely aligns with Greece’s longstanding position — one that treats interconnections not as isolated national investments, but as strategic pillars of European energy security and solidarity.