Energy costs: Council publishes results, with December the next target
The debate guided work on network charges towards a December general approach. Greece’s call for a joint ministerial session remains a proposal.
Updated 29.10.2026 · 22:03, Athens time — What changed
The EU Council has now published the results of its 29 October meeting, replacing its earlier ongoing-meeting notice.
Ministers debated the proposal on electricity network charges. They broadly supported lower system costs and better use of grids, while seeking national flexibility. Technical work continues, aiming for a general approach at the December Energy Council; the legislative process is not already complete.
Ministers also discussed winter energy security and post-2030 targets. Greece’s proposal for a joint session with ECOFIN and the Eurogroup remains attributed to its Energy Ministry. The published account does not establish approval of a new subsidy or a fixed date for that meeting.
Previous updates — history
Updated 29.10.2026 · 19:09, Athens time — What changed
In its latest statement on 29 October, Greece’s Environment and Energy Ministry says Greece proposed a joint meeting of energy ministers with finance and economy ministers in the ECOFIN and Eurogroup framework to address the energy crisis within EU rules.
The ministry says Malta, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Romania supported the proposal. That account is attributed to the Greek ministry, not presented as separate confirmation from each government.
This adds a specific coordination proposal to the previously reported Greek request for flexibility and temporary support measures. No fixed meeting date, aid amount, eligibility list or application process is published.
The ministry also describes Greek support for investment in smart grids and more transparent network charges, with flexibility for countries and national regulators. The Council’s official page still labels the meeting ongoing and displays its agenda; it does not establish completed network-charge legislation or approval of a new subsidy package.
Previous updates — history
Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou requested flexibility within the escape-clause framework for targeted, temporary support measures for households and businesses as he arrived at the EU Energy Council on 29 October 2026.
In the ministry’s published statement, he argued that long-term energy planning should be accompanied during crises by immediate interventions in energy bills. This is the Greek government’s policy position and request. The statement specifies no amounts, beneficiaries, payment dates or application process, and does not establish Council approval of a new package.
What is on the agenda
The Council’s official page confirms discussion of network charges, energy security for winter 2026–2027 and post-2030 targets. On charges, it refers to a proposed regulation presented by the Commission on 17 July concerning grid tariff structures, smart grids and electrification. Inclusion on the agenda does not mean legislation has been completed.
The Greece–Cyprus interconnector
The minister also said he would brief counterparts on progress and next steps for the Greece–Cyprus electricity interconnector. This particular statement publishes no new construction milestone, contract or operational date.
English translation of the Greek edition · Read in Greek