(fra kommisjonsforordningen)

(1) Regulation (EU) 2022/869 sets up a framework for identifying, planning and implementing projects of common interest (‘PCIs’) that are required to implement the 11 strategic geographical energy infrastructure priority corridors identified in the fields of electricity, offshore grids, hydrogen and electrolysers, and the three Union-wide energy infrastructure priority areas for smart electricity grids, smart gas grids and carbon dioxide transportation networks. It also sets up a framework for identifying, planning and implementing projects of mutual interest (‘PMIs’) developed by the Union together with third countries in the fields of electricity, hydrogen and carbon dioxide transportation networks. 

(2) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1041 established the first Union list of PCIs and PMIs as Annex VII to Regulation (EU) 2022/869. 

(3) The eligible projects proposed for inclusion in the Union list of projects of PCIs and PMIs referred to in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869 were all assessed against the mandatory sustainability criterion for all project categories in accordance with the provisions in that is laid down in that Regulation. Only the projects that demonstrated significant contributions to sustainability were assessed further by the regional groups referred to in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869 who confirmed that those projects meet the criteria laid down in Article 4 of that Regulation. 

(4) The Commission has assessed the candidate projects in view of the requirements of Article 3(5) of Regulation (EU) 2022/869. 

(5) The draft regional lists of PCIs and PMIs were agreed upon by the regional groups at technical-level meetings. 

(6) On 30 September 2025, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) issued its opinion on the consistent application of the assessment criteria and the cost/benefit analysis across regions. Subsequently, on 24 October 2025, the regional groups' decision-making bodies adopted the final regional lists. Pursuant to Article 3(3), second subparagraph, point (a), of Regulation (EU) 2022/869, prior to the adoption of the regional lists, all proposed projects were approved by the Member States to whose territory the projects relate. 

(7) The projects proposed for inclusion in the second Union list were subject to a public consultation. Moreover, organisations representing relevant stakeholders, including representatives of third countries, producers, distribution system operators, suppliers, local populations and consumer and environmental protection organisations were invited to the technical discussions in the regional groups and consulted on the projects proposed for inclusion in the Union list. 

(8) PCIs should be listed per strategic trans-European energy infrastructure priorities in the order laid down in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2022/869. PMIs that are not required to implement the energy infrastructure priority corridors and areas set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2022/869, should be listed separately as per the infrastructure category they belong to and by the region where they are located. 

(9) PCIs and PMIs should be listed either as stand-alone PCIs and PMIs or as a part of a cluster of several PCIs and PMIs where they are interdependent or (potentially) competing. 

(10) In the case of Cyprus and Malta regarding one interconnection for each of those Member States, which is provided for in Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869, the Commission has received the documentation required in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of that Article. The respective projects were presented during the technical regional group meetings and the relevant documentation, excluding business secrets, was published. One interconnection for Malta and one interconnection for Cyprus, which are necessary to interconnect those Member States to the trans-European gas network, should, therefore, maintain their status as PCIs. 

(11) The Union list contains projects at different stages of their development, including the pre-feasibility, feasibility, permit-granting and construction. For PCIs and PMIs at an early stage of development, studies may be needed to demonstrate technical and economic viability and compliance with Union legislation, including environmental legislation. In this context, potential negative impacts on the environment should be adequately identified, assessed and avoided or mitigated. Moreover, relevant climate adaptation measures as regards the development of the projects should be identified and taken into consideration. 

(12) The inclusion of projects on the Union list is without prejudice to the outcome of the relevant environmental assessment and permit procedure. 

(13) Regulation (EU) 2022/869 should therefore be amended accordingly.