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 energy infrastructure projects, which must now involve at least two Member States rather than one Member State and a third country.
The general approach, adopted by the Council on 26 June 2026, amends Annex IV, point (1)(b), which covers equipment or installation projects under Annex II, point (1)(5e)(a). These projects must now be deployed on existing critical network elements (as defined in Article 2, point (69) of Regulation (EU) 2019/943) or on interconnectors between Malta and Italy, be included in risk preparedness plans under the Risk Preparedness Regulation, and increase energy security in at least two Member States. Similarly, Annex IV, point (1)(bb) now requires projects under Annex II, point (5)(b) to address risks to energy security, involve at least two transmission system operators from at least two Member States, and increase energy security in at least two Member States as reflected in risk preparedness plans.
The revision removes the possibility for projects to qualify by involving only one Member State and a third country, thereby strengthening the requirement for cross-border cooperation within the EU. This change primarily affects energy infrastructure projects that previously could have been eligible with a single Member State and a non-EU partner, such as interconnectors or grid upgrades linking one EU country to a third country. The impact is moderate: it may reduce the number of eligible projects, particularly those with a strong external dimension, but it reinforces internal EU energy security coordination.
Stakeholders most affected include EU transmission system operators (TSOs), which now must ensure projects involve at least two Member States; project developers, who may face a narrower pipeline of eligible projects; and EU energy regulators, who will need to adjust their assessments. The general approach will be followed by negotiations with the European Parliament under the ordinary legislative procedure.