Joint Statement on Permitting Directive

Ensuring a secure and realistic energy transition: key priorities for the EU Grids Package 

We, the undersigned organisations, call on EU co‑legislators to ensure that the EU Grids Package delivers a secure, affordable and technically robust energy transition. Europe’s decarbonisation pathway requires planning tools grounded in operational realities, governance structures that rely on system expertise, and regulatory mechanisms that protect consumers while enabling investments.

Reject tacit approval for grid connection requests 

Introducing tacit approval when DSOs do not reply within the set deadlines would create operational, legal and safety risks. Connection requests require technical verification to ensure system stability and grid security. In several Member States, DSOs are already legally obliged to issue a connection offer unless it would endanger the network. This mandatory technical assessment cannot be replaced by “silence equals approval” mechanisms. Furthermore, the proposed preferential treatment for certain applicants under EU law requires clarification in light of the principle of non‑discrimination. The aim must be to establish adequate and scalable rules that are practicable for network operators across the EU, given the large number of connection requests that network operators must process. The introduction of special provisions or parallel connection regimes should be avoided.

Small‑scale installations still require grid visibility 

While individual installations below 100 kW may have a limited impact, their cumulative effect can significantly affect both distribution and transmission networks.

We therefore support:

• maintaining a grid connection application procedure,

• preserving mandatory notification to DSOs to ensure observability of electric flows.

Simplification to speed up permitting procedures must not compromise system integrity or the ability of DSOs and TSOs to manage an increasing amount of distributed resources.

Our call to policymakers 

We call on EU institutions to adopt a permitting framework that:

• strengthens technical credibility,

• preserves national regulatory responsibilities,

• protects consumers,

• maintains system security,

• and supports Europe’s long‑term decarbonisation and energy security objectives.

We stand ready to work with policymakers to contribute to a final agreement that is ambitious, realistic and aligned with system needs.

Signatories :