CEER Strategy 2026-2029: Ensuring regulatory stability and citizen engagement amidst change to reach the decarbonisation goals efficiently
The Strategy 2026-2029 sets out the vision, mission and strategic priorities of the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) for the period 2026-2029, at a time when the European energy sector is undergoing its largest-ever transformation.
Shaped by geopolitical, economic and technological developments, the coming years will be marked by accelerated decarbonisation, affordability concerns, digitalisation and increasing complexity in market governance. Against this backdrop, the Strategy builds on CEER’s long-standing commitment to empower consumers and foster well-functioning, resilient energy markets by reaffirming the importance of regulatory independence, cooperation among national regulatory authorities, and the effective implementation of existing frameworks.
Drawing on the lessons learnt from the 2022–2023 energy crisis, the Strategy emphasises the need for regulatory stability amidst change, while remaining sufficiently agile to respond to evolving circumstances. It also underlines the importance of active citizen engagement and transparent communication to maintain public trust and acceptance of the energy transition. As in previous strategies, the consumer remains at the centre of CEER’s regulatory approach.
CEER's strategic priorities for 2026-2029:
These priorities build on the continued relevance of the core regulatory priorities set out in CEER’s 2022-2025 Strategy. At the same time, they adapt these principles to new challenges such as increased electrification, declining gas demand, digitalisation, and the integration of low-carbon and renewable gases.
Optimising market-oriented solutions to deliver best results for consumers and the energy system
- Emphasising the importance of market mechanisms
- Optimising existing infrastructure
- Incentivising efficient investment in grid expansion
Empowering and protecting consumers, while promoting affordability and accessibility
- Empowering and protecting consumers
- Monitoring the emergence of new actors and services
Deepening the integration of a decarbonised energy system
- Supporting security of supply and market resilience
- Facilitating decarbonisation and gas-power system integration
- Encouraging efficient infrastructure use and future-proof investment
- Promoting regulatory clarity and innovation
Prerequisites for delivering a resilient and consumer-oriented energy future
CEER’s strategic priorities for 2026-2029 are intrinsically linked to two fundamental prerequisites:
- the full implementation of agreed frameworks and
- strong regulatory independence and cooperation.
CEER emphasises the importance of prioritising the effective implementation of existing EU energy legislation before introducing new frameworks, ensuring that agreed measures are given sufficient time to deliver their intended impact. At the same time, CEER promotes forward-looking market designs and regulatory tools that support innovation, flexibility and consumer participation.
Regulatory stability, predictability and transparency are essential to foster investment certainty, security of supply and system resilience. CEER therefore reaffirms the importance of independent and well-resourced national regulatory authorities, free from undue influence, and of close cooperation among regulators at European and international level.
More information
CEER conducted a public consultation on the draft Strategy 2026-2029 from 27 June to 22 August 2025, with the objective of gathering stakeholder feedback and inform the development of CEER’s future Work Programmes. CEER published its reaction in the form of the Evaluation of responses addressing the comments and proposals received. The final strategy was published in January 2026.