On 24 June 2026, the Council of the European Union published a general approach that deletes the phrase “or at least one Member State and a third country” from two sub-points in Annex IV of the proposed regulation on trans-European energy infrastructure. The change tightens eligibility criteria for certain equipment and installation projects, requiring that they increase energy security in at least two Member States rather than one Member State and a third country.
The general approach, scheduled for adoption at the Council meeting on 26 June 2026, amends the Commission's original proposal for a regulation updating the TEN-E guidelines. The document, which also modifies Regulations (EU) 2019/942, (EU) 2019/943, and (EU) 2024/1789 and repeals Regulation (EU) 2022/869, reflects the Council's position ahead of negotiations with the European Parliament.
Under the revised text, projects under Annex II, point (1)(5e)(a) — covering equipment or installations deployed on existing critical network elements or on interconnectors between Malta and Italy — must now be included in risk preparedness plans and increase energy security in at least two Member States. Similarly, projects under point (5)(b) must involve at least two transmission system operators from at least two Member States and address risks to energy security as reflected in risk preparedness plans, again requiring benefits for at least two Member States.
The deletion removes the possibility for projects to qualify by involving only one EU country plus a non-EU country. The Council's approach prioritises intra-Union energy solidarity over cooperation with third countries for these specific project categories. The change primarily affects project promoters and transmission system operators who had planned cross-border infrastructure linking a single Member State with a third country, as they will no longer be eligible under these criteria. For EU consumers and national regulators, the tighter rules may reduce the number of eligible projects but could strengthen energy security within the Union by ensuring that benefits are shared among multiple Member States.
The general approach will serve as the Council's mandate for trilogue negotiations with the European Parliament, which is expected to adopt its position later this year. The final regulation will set the framework for selecting Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest under the TEN-E policy.