European Commission considers changes to EU energy legislation – Reuters

The European Commission (EC) is considering changes to EU energy legislation as part of its next proposals to reduce the regulatory burden on struggling industries. Reuters reports, citing sources.

In February, the EC unveiled proposals to reduce sustainability reporting rules. Currently, according to the sources, discussions on simplifying the bloc’s energy policy are at an early stage. These changes may become part of a comprehensive package aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on small and medium-sized companies, which will be presented in April or May.

Currently, the relevant directive sets binding targets for the bloc to reduce energy consumption. It requires companies to conduct energy audits and large businesses to develop appropriate management plans.

The EC is also considering simplifying the renewable energy law. The latter sets binding targets for countries to expand the use of renewable energy sources.

An EC spokesperson declined to comment to Reuters on whether the next comprehensive package will focus on energy.

Brussels has launched a campaign to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles that European businesses believe put them at a disadvantage compared to China and the United States. According to insiders, the EU Energy Efficiency Directive is one of the policies currently being evaluated.

As a reminder, in 2024, the EU, according to Eurostat, reduced energy imports (oil, natural gas, LNG) by 7.1% year-on-year – to 720.4 million tons. In value terms, these imports fell by 16.2% y/y – to €375.9 billion.

As GMK Center reported, 46.9% of all electricity in the European Union was generated from renewable sources last year. This indicates a steady increase in the use of clean energy and a gradual reduction in dependence on fossil fuels.