Energy ministers from France, Spain and Portugal, alongside European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, convened in Paris for the inaugural ministerial-level meeting of the High-Level Group on Interconnections for South-West Europe. This landmark session focused on accelerating the development of South-West Europe energy links to enhance regional integration and infrastructure.
Strategic Focus on Regional Energy Interconnections
The discussions emphasized the advancement of critical infrastructure projects designated as Energy Highways. These initiatives are considered of high strategic importance for enhancing European energy security, regional competitiveness, and the ongoing decarbonization of the continent. The group reviewed the progress of various energy interconnections that serve as the backbone of this strategy, ensuring a more stable and integrated market across the Union.
Advancing Electricity Interconnections and Hydrogen
A primary focus of the meeting involved the Trans-Pyrenean electricity interconnections, linking France, Spain and Portugal. Specific attention was given to the Navarra-Landes project, which has already secured 11 million Euros in support from the Connecting Europe Facility. Furthermore, the ministers addressed the development of a regional hydrogen corridor and expanded cooperation regarding offshore renewable energy sources.
Commissioner Dan Jørgensen stated, “More interconnections make Europe stronger, more competitive and more resilient through enhanced energy security and lower energy prices for our consumers, businesses and households alike. This is why it is crucial that we move forward with the electricity interconnections across the Pyreneans to better integrate the Iberian Peninsula into Europe’s system. We had good exchanges today and the work continues”
Background of the South-West Europe High-Level Group
Established in 2015 following the Madrid Summit, the High-Level Group facilitates the integration of the Iberian Peninsula into the broader European market. Its mandate includes the implementation of priority infrastructure and South-West Europe energy links to bolster European energy security. Since the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding, the group has also prioritized offshore infrastructure and the establishment of a hydrogen corridor alongside broader regional cooperation.
