The European Parliament is looking to set stricter deadlines and automatic approvals to expedite energy infrastructure, which may lead to tensions with member countries of the Union that are seeking more flexibility in how their national permitting systems operate.
Conflicting Agreements on Permits
Member governments of the European Union have disagreements with the Parliament regarding new permitting laws aimed at reducing years of delays in renewable energy projects, electricity networks, and other essential infrastructure for energy transition within the bloc. The Parliament's position is much tougher compared to the European Commission's proposal and the Council of Europe's mandate, especially regarding electricity networks. While the Commission has proposed a maximum approval time of two years for transmission and distribution infrastructure, the Parliament wants distribution projects approved in one year and transmission projects in two years.
Read more: Germany; A Golden Opportunity for Four Visa-Free Countries!
Impacts on Public Interests
There are further disagreements regarding the consequences of failing to meet these deadlines. The Parliament supports greater use of tacit approval, meaning that if authorities do not respond in time, certain administrative steps are automatically approved. However, the Council of Europe has limited this approach, stating that member countries may only provide tacit approval for specific administrative steps, excluding environmental decisions and grid connection permits.
Niels Fuglsang from the Social Democrats of Denmark, who is leading this case in Parliament, emphasized that electricity networks in the European Union must be built faster if the bloc is serious about energy transition and reducing electricity and fuel costs.
Ultimately, potential agreements will not be limited to a political battle between fast and slow permitting but will also relate to who controls the timing. The Parliament wants EU laws to make non-compliance with deadlines costly and approvals more predictable, while member governments want to expedite projects without giving Brussels or the automatic approval mechanism too much power in national permitting decisions.
Next political negotiations on permitting laws under the networks package will take place in early October.
Read more: European Parliament Sets Stricter Deadlines for Energy Permits
