On 23 June 2026, the European Commission issued a formal reply to the Swedish Riksdag's reasoned opinion on two legislative proposals forming part of the European Grids Package. The Commission defended the proposals' compliance with subsidiarity and proportionality principles, arguing that enhanced EU-level coordination for grid infrastructure planning, expedited permitting, and fair cost distribution for cross-border projects do not encroach on member state sovereignty but rather support market integration.
The reply, adopted as Commission Decision C(2026)4560, addresses concerns raised by the Riksdag regarding the proposals COM(2025)1006 and COM(2025)1007. The Commission stressed that the package preserves national control over energy mix and territorial planning while introducing a coordinated planning framework to address cross-border grid bottlenecks. It also clarified that congestion income management would remain at member state level, with no EU-level pooling or redistribution of funds.
The Commission's response marks a step in the ongoing dialogue with national parliaments under the subsidiarity control mechanism. The Riksdag's reasoned opinion, submitted earlier in 2026, had questioned whether the proposals exceeded EU competences. The Commission's reply will feed into the legislative process as the European Parliament and the Council examine the proposals.
EU grid operators and project promoters stand to benefit from streamlined permitting and clearer cost-sharing rules, potentially accelerating cross-border projects. National regulatory authorities will retain control over congestion revenues but must coordinate planning within the new framework, adding administrative obligations. EU consumers may see lower energy costs from improved grid integration, though upfront investment costs could be passed through in tariffs. Member states with strong national energy sovereignty traditions, such as Sweden, may view the coordination requirements as a step toward centralisation, despite the Commission's assurances on subsidiarity.