Energy Transition – Cornerstone of Europe’s Prosperity
As Europe enters 2026, the energy transition continues to represent both an immense opportunity and a profound challenge for our Union. At the EESC's Section for Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society (TEN), our priority this year will be to ensure that policy and implementation move forward in step, delivering a secure, sustainable, affordable, and competitive energy future for all Europeans.
Although the EU’s energy transition entails a long-term structural transformation, its effects are already shaping Europe’s competitiveness, security, and social cohesion. Affordable, clean, and reliable energy is the backbone of Europe’s economy, yet we must strike a careful balance: advancing decarbonisation while protecting industrial strength and the consumers' welfare. Rising energy costs, geopolitical instability, and the need for resilient infrastructure demand coordinated and forward-looking action.
Modernising and expanding Europe’s energy networks is central to this effort. Without future-proof, interconnected grids, then progress in renewable integration, electrification, and digitalisation cannot advance effectively. At the same time, Member States, regions, and economic sectors must be able to choose solutions that best fit their circumstances - making technology neutrality a critical principle for a fair and efficient transition.
Financing will be decisive. Delivering a transformation on this scale requires the full set of EU financing instruments, including under the new Multiannual Financial Framework, working in synergy with national measures. Equally important is strong participation from the private sector, whose capital and innovation capacity are indispensable for accelerating investment, scaling up clean technologies, and supporting industrial transformation across Europe.
Structural interventions in the EU energy market, together with efforts to reinforce Europe’s transport, infrastructure, and industrial base, remains essential. Yet sustaining public trust is just as important, as it underpins the public's engagement in the process and supports Europe’s continued development.
In 2026, the TEN Section will play a key role in shaping perspectives and supporting meaningful dialogue on these priorities. I look forward to working closely with Section members, EESC staff, and our partners across EU institutions and civil society to drive progress throughout the year.
Marcin NOWACKI
President of the TEN Section of the European Economic and Social Committee
