CEER Annual Conference 2026 sets out how national regulators can drive a fair, affordable European energy transition
On 30 June, The Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) held its Annual Conference 2026 under the theme “United in Regulation: National Authorities, European Impact”.
The conference brought together national regulatory authorities, EU institutions and energy stakeholders to discuss how regulators can help turn the CEER 2026-2029 Strategy into concrete regulatory practice. Discussions focused on a central challenge for Europe’s energy transition: unlocking the infrastructure investment needed for a decarbonised energy system while keeping energy secure, affordable and fair for consumers.
Opening the conference, CEER President Annegret Groebel set out the three strategic priorities guiding CEER’s work: market-oriented solutions, empowering and protecting consumers, and deepening the integration of a decarbonised energy system. During the closing poolside chat with the CEER Secretary General Bram Claeys on affordability and the cost of energy, she stressed the need to look beyond short-term measures and focus on system-wide efficiency:
Energy bills in the mid to long term can only be reduced if we optimise the energy system as a whole, said CEER President Annegret Groebel.
Lisa Underwood, Energy Attaché at the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU, delivered the opening keynote speech, outlining the energy priorities of the Irish Presidency. Her remarks highlighted the importance of sustainable, affordable and secure energy systems, accelerated renewable deployment, flexibility, modernised grids and stronger interconnections.
The first panel explored how to balance European market integration with national realities. Speakers discussed the benefits of integrated electricity markets for security of supply, affordability and investor confidence, while stressing the need to avoid new forms of market fragmentation. The discussion also highlighted the importance of effective implementation, practical regional cooperation, transparent rules and trust between regulators, system operators and market participants.
In the second keynote speech, Eamon Ryan, Associate at Catalyse Europe and E3G and former Energy Minister of Ireland, brought a broader political perspective to offshore grid development and regional cooperation. Drawing on the experience of the North Seas, he stressed that Europe’s competitiveness and security depend on deeper electricity market integration, lower financing costs for major infrastructure investments and a stronger move away from fossil fuel dependency.
The second panel focused on financing Europe’s grids and the challenge of cross-border cost allocation. Speakers discussed how to allocate the costs of major infrastructure projects when benefits are shared across countries and may only be fully realised over time. The debate underlined the need for stable regulatory arrangements, long-term planning and close cooperation between regulators, system operators and investors. It also highlighted that financeability and affordability should be addressed together, rather than treated as competing objectives.
The conference reaffirmed CEER’s commitment to supporting national regulators in delivering a secure, affordable and decarbonised energy system for Europe’s consumers, while ensuring that national regulatory decisions continue to contribute to European objectives.
Recording of the CEER Annual Conference 2026 can be accessed here
