Prerequisites for closer EU energy integration

Question for written answer E-003530/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Tomas Tobé (PPE)

Well-functioning and efficient electricity grids are essential for the energy transition, meeting EU climate targets, and supporting growth and competitiveness. Deeper energy integration can furthermore increase European resilience.

However, expanding cross-border transmission capacity requires a high level of trust between Member States. The current situation - characterised by inefficient bidding zones[1] in Member States with internal congestion, and insufficient baseload capacity - reduces incentives to invest in cross-border interconnections, which would otherwise be efficient solutions.

In the light of this, I would like to pose the following questions to the Commission:

• 1.What measures is it taking to promote more efficient and market-reflective bidding zones within Member States?
• 2.How does the Commission ensure that deeper energy integration avoids negative consequences for consumers in certain Member States, such as increased electricity prices?
• 3.Does it view harmonised electricity prices across Member States as an end in itself?

Submitted: 12.9.2025

• [1] European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, 'Bidding Zone Review of the 2025 Target Year', April 2025, https://eepublicdownloads.blob.core.windows.net/public-cdn-container/clean-documents/Network%20codes%20documents/NC%20CACM/BZR/2025/Bidding_Zone_Review_of_the_2025_Target_Year.pdf.