On 23 June 2026, the Council of the European Union agreed a general approach on a proposal to amend the Renewable Energy Directive (2018/2001), the Electricity Market Directive (2019/944), and the Gas Directive (2024/1788) to accelerate permit-granting procedures for energy infrastructure projects. The general approach, which will form the Council's negotiating position with the European Parliament, introduces a series of changes affecting Member States, project developers, and grid operators.
The proposal extends the deadline for designating renewable acceleration areas to 31 December 2027, from the current earlier date. Tacit approval for environmental and final permit decisions becomes voluntary for Member States, rather than mandatory. Similarly, the requirement for a single digital portal for permit applications is made voluntary, with Member States allowed to use connected portals instead. Permit-granting for recharging stations is capped at six months, extendable by another six months if justified, with an application deadline of 45 days. Stand-alone energy storage projects receive deadline extensions of up to six months, with pumped-hydropower storage eligible for further extensions if justified. Grid connection deadlines are extended to six months, and authorisation for transmission and distribution infrastructure is extended from 18 to 30 months.
Exemptions are added for transmission and distribution infrastructure from the Water Framework, Soil Monitoring, and Marine Strategy Directives. Hydrogen systems are exempted from nitrogen emissions assessment, and small closed distribution systems are treated as distribution system operators. Defence and security exclusions are introduced for land planning, repowering, solar equipment, and the overriding public interest presumption. Benefit-sharing measures for renewable projects are made flexible by technology, location, or size. The independent facilitator for public dialogue becomes voluntary. Compensation may include monetary compensation where national law allows. Hybridisation of renewable plants is allowed after land status change, respecting constitutional competences. The ten-year network development plan must be submitted to the regulator or designated authority.
The general approach reflects a compromise between Member States, balancing acceleration goals with national flexibility. The European Parliament is expected to adopt its position in the coming months, after which trilogue negotiations will begin.