Energy Security & Affordability in a New Geopolitical Era: A Future-Proof Post-2030 EU Energy Framework

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Civil society and industry are calling for a bold binding framework that delivers a fossil fuel exit.

Dear President von der Leyen,
Dear President Costa,
Dear President Metsola,

Europe faces an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. Russia’s war against Ukraine and rising tensions in the Middle East have exposed the risks of fossil-fuel dependence making Europe’s energy security, affordability and competitiveness not only a climate imperative, but a strategic necessity. The choices Europe makes today for its post-2030 energy framework will determine its energy security for decades to come.

The EU’s 2030 energy and climate framework has already shown that a clear direction, binding targets and coordinated European action bring tangible benefits. Through the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), the EU has accelerated renewable energy deployment, improved energy efficiency, reduced emissions, supported economic growth and job creation, and helped shield citizens and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices.

In an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment, Europe must move faster to phase out fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to a fully renewable-based, efficient, and electrified energy system. The evidence is clear: Electrifying roughly half of the EU economy by 2040 is projected to deliver net savings of around €29 billion per year through lower fuel imports and system costs. Every 1% improvement in energy efficiency cuts gas imports by 2.6%, making savings the fastest-acting tool for energy security. Renewables-based energy system will save Europe €1.6tn and it can do this at the lowest cost.

As discussions begin on the post-2030 EU energy and climate framework, it is crucial to build on the success of the current framework while addressing remaining shortcomings including persistent implementation gaps, insufficient enabling conditions for energy efficiency measures and renewables-based electrification across industry, buildings, transport, and renewable heating and cooling, and limited cross-border cooperation that leaves significant cost-effective renewable potential untapped.

To strengthen the resilience of Europe’s energy system, move to a more efficient and decarbonised economy and ensure affordable energy for citizens and industry, the post-2030 EU framework should be guided by the following principles:

1. Maintain binding and ambitious EU targets. Binding EU targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency have been essential in driving investment certainty, technological innovation and coordinated action across Member States. The post-2030 framework should maintain and strengthen these binding targets as the cornerstone of EU energy policy while introducing a dedicated electrification pillar with a quantified target, benchmarks, clear national contributions, and robust governance for the rapid uptake of renewable electricity across buildings, transport, and industry. These should be translated into technology-specific trajectories within the NECPs, providing the visibility needed for supply chains to plan and scale up in line with future deployment.
2. Ensure enforceable delivery mechanisms. The 2040 EU targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency must be supported by strong governance, clear national contributions, and effective enforcement mechanisms to ensure full implementation. For instance, Member States should plan technology-specific auctions 5 years ahead on a rolling basis detailing the timeline, budget and volumes that will be auctioned. This should be complemented by greater transparency in long-term renewables auction plannings, providing the predictability needed to strengthen supply chains and align capacity development with future deployment.
3. Implementation of the EU legislation is the best simplification. A swift and consistent implementation of the RED and the EED is the most impactful form of simplification and must be a top priority. Supported by strong enabling conditions, it will further reduce administrative barriers. The post-2030 framework should of course not weaken the ambition or enforceability of existing legislation.
4. Strengthen the framework for renewable-based electrification. Electrification will be the backbone of a decarbonised European energy system. To ensure it is cost-efficient, the EU should strengthen policy support for renewable-based electrification, notably by facilitating PPA uptake and smart and flexible electrification across sectors through enhanced provisions in the Governance Regulation, the EED and the RED. This should be coupled with funding such as the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank.
5. Preserve the implementation of energy efficiency measures. As energy efficiency improves industries’ competitiveness, lowers energy imports, ensures a more affordable electrification and mitigates energy poverty, the 2040 EU energy efficiency target must be complemented with dedicated measures and actions to ensure the continuation of progress during the next decade.
6. Accelerate system flexibility and storage deployment. While rapid wind, solar and geothermal deployment remains essential, ensuring a reliable energy supply requires significantly greater investment in flexibility solutions, including demand-side response, storage, and long-duration energy storage. Beyond investments, flexibility solutions also need access to markets and proper price signals.
7. Unlock financing and the full potential of cross-border cooperation. EU cooperation mechanisms can significantly reduce the overall cost of the energy transition, yet they remain underutilised. The post-2030 framework should strengthen incentives for cross-border collaboration, including through privileged access to EU financial instruments and joint support schemes.

As signatories, we call for a strong and binding post-2030 EU energy framework that strengthens energy security, ensures affordable energy for citizens and industry, and reinforces Europe’s long-term competitiveness and resilience.

Download the letter.

Article from T&E.