As the summer break comes to an end and policymakers return to their desks, EuropeOn is taking a look at the priorities and expected EU policy releases for the autumn and the end of the year.
Energy security remains as a top priority, with electrification and skills as the necessary conditions for a more resilient Europe.
Looking back at summer policy releases
Last July, the European Commission released its long-awaited Electrification Action Plan, an important step towards accelerating electrification and strengthening Europe’s energy independence. EuropeOn welcomed the 46% electrification target and the emphasis placed on expanding the workforce.
Now that everyone is back in the office, it is the perfect time to further explore its implications for electrical contractors and continue advancing the electrification agenda.
July also marked a significant milestone with the Right to Repair Directive coming into force. Member States are now tasked with implementing this legislation, with some of our members closely following its progress and the consequences for the installation sector.
Energy security at the top of the agenda
The Commission is also in the midst of revising its Energy Security Framework, set to be released during September, a process that EuropeOn is following with great interest. Energy security remains a top priority, with electrical contractors playing a pivotal role in ensuring Europe’s resilience.
One vital aspect of resilience is cybersecurity, a topic that electrical contractors are increasingly dealing with. Cybersecurity brings new challenges, but also new business opportunities for companies. EuropeOn members will reflect on this topic during the next cybersecurity roundtable on 8 September.
Nothing is possible without enough skilled workers
On the topic of skills and workforce shortages, we’re looking forward to the release of the upcoming VET Strategy, set to be release by the end of the year and aiming to address the attractiveness of technical careers, particularly in renewable energy sectors. This is a welcome development, as the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, and we must ensure that the workforce of tomorrow is equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
As European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu said on the occasion of Electricians’ Day, “the best technologies can only work if we have the skilled people to operate them”.
As we wait for the VET Strategy to be released, we will also closely follow other initiatives, such as the Skills Portability Initiative (to be released around mid September) and the Quality Jobs Act.
A broader electrification agenda
Beyond these developments, EuropeOn will continue to engage with a range of electrification-related files. This includes the post-2030 framework, which will introduce new efficiency and renewable energy measures, as well as the upcoming integrated framework for European climate resilience. We will also monitor the regulation on electricity bills, proposed alongside the Electrification Action Plan, which includes provisions on network charges, smart meters, and taxation. Finally, we await the finalisation of the Grids Package, released by the European Commission in December 2025.
We will also keep a close eye on the release of the Public Procurement Act, expected to come out in a few days.
And, amid all these EU policy developments, there will still be several opportunities to meet our members, both online and in person, and to continue exchanging and working together on these and other topics.
