European Affairs & National Policy

Monitors and manages European Union (EU) and national policy and market developments.

The European Affairs and National Policy team

The European Affairs and National Policy team monitors and manages European Union (EU) and national policy and market developments, including EU legislative proposals and amendments, considering impacts on the Irish energy sector and Gas Networks Ireland.

Driven by climate change mitigation policy, energy security and geo-political considerations, Ireland's energy landscape is rapidly changing.  EU and national energy policy is  primarily focussed on decarbonisation targets and security of energy supply. At this crucial stage in policy development, the task of the EU Affairs and National Policy team is of heightened importance; advocating for and emphasising the central role Ireland's and the EU's gas networks will play in achieving climate action targets, in addition to safeguarding energy security.   

The European Affairs and National Policy team works with a wide range of stakeholders, including National and EU Associations, Government Departments, Regulators, EU Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs), Policy Makers and within the Gas Networks Ireland business, with a focus on the following:

Presidency of the Council of the European Union

From 1 July 2026, Ireland will assume The Presidency of the Council of the European Union  Last held by Ireland in 2013 and its eighth time in the role, this is a pivotal moment for Ireland as it prepares to coordinate the work of the Council and, represent the Council in negotiations with other EU institutions.

Over a six month term [concluding on 31st December] Ireland will guide the EU’s legislative agenda, chair key Council meetings, and help steer discussions on the major policy challenges and opportunities facing all 27 Member States.

For Gas Networks Ireland, the EU Council Presidency arrives at a strategically important time for Europe’s energy future. As an island nation with a geographically distinct energy system and strong interconnection with the UK, Ireland plays a unique role in Europe’s security of supply and the transition to a low carbon economy. 

Gas Networks Ireland is preparing to contribute proactively throughout the Presidency, ensuring Ireland’s specific energy needs are understood, advocating for a fair and technology neutral approach to decarbonisation, and supporting policies that strengthen competitiveness, resilience, and customer affordability.

Gas Networks Ireland Strategic Priorities for the Presidency 

Throughout the Presidency, significant energy and climate legislation is expected to progress, including the EU Grids Package, the TEN‑E Regulation Review, the Energy Security Framework, implementation of the Gas and Hydrogen Market Package, the Action Plan on Affordable Energy, and continued delivery of REPowerEU.  These files will shape how Europe plans, funds, and operates future energy infrastructure, from biomethane and hydrogen integration, to offshore wind development and strategic energy storage.

Gas Networks Ireland will use this Presidency term to share updates on the evolving European policy landscape, highlight key developments affecting Ireland’s energy system, and showcase our work to support national and EU priorities. 

Ireland’s Presidency presents an important opportunity to help shape Europe’s energy future and Gas Networks Ireland is committed to playing an active, future-focused role throughout the term.

Gas Network’s Ireland Strategic Priorities for the Presidency of the Council of the EU

1. Simplification of Rules and Funding Eligibility​​

  • Simplify EU rules, processes and digital frameworks to reduce administrative burden and enhance competitiveness. ​
  • Streamline EU funding processes for energy infrastructure and broaden eligibility to include cross-border and third-country projects benefiting Member States. 

The EU Simplification agenda offers an opportunity to streamline rules, processes and digital frameworks. ​

Streamlined processes, particularly under the revised TEN‑E Regulation and EU Grids Package, will support timely delivery of critical cross‑border and third‑country energy projects, while reducing administrative burdens that currently slow investment and undermine competitiveness. ​

Ireland can champion these packages to broaden EU funding eligibility, allowing security‑of‑supply and decarbonisation projects to access support regardless of physical location, and ensuring geographically isolated Member States like Ireland are not disadvantaged.​

 

2. Integrated Energy System​

  • Adopt a technology-neutral approach to a net-zero energy system, ensuring affordable, efficient, and clean energy for all our customers while strengthening competitiveness.​
  • Enhanced planning and operability between gas, electricity and hydrogen.

A more coherent, technology‑neutral energy framework will strengthen Ireland’s ability to integrate biomethane, hydrogen, offshore wind and other renewable gases into the wider EU energy system. ​

By advancing interoperable planning across gas, electricity and hydrogen networks, the Presidency can help reduce system costs, accelerate permitting timelines, and give customers - particularly those for whom electrification is challenging - access to flexible, low‑carbon energy pathways that support EU competitiveness and affordability objectives.​

 

3. Energy Security ​

  • Prioritise network resilience, physical and cyber, into security frameworks to encourage investment in key infrastructure projects vital for security of supply.​
  • Regulations addressing SoS to include a technology-neutral definition of strategic storage to allow for FSRU based solutions.

Building a resilient, future‑ready energy system will require EU‑level support for both physical and cyber‑security measures, as well as recognition of the unique security‑of‑supply challenges facing non‑interconnected Member States. ​

Critical energy infrastructure projects, including natural gas, that will enhance Ireland’s energy security should qualify for EU funding programmes. In addition, the Presidency should advocate for the Energy Security Framework to include a technology-neutral definition of strategic storage to ensure flexibility for innovative solutions, including Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) based strategic reserves.

 

4. Ireland’s unique position​

  • Maintain and strengthen regulatory alignment between the EU and UK. ​
  • Ireland’s regional specificities to be catered for in EU legislation.

Ireland’s dependency on UK infrastructure means that continued EU‑UK regulatory alignment is vital for market stability, investment confidence and long‑term energy planning. ​

The Presidency can play a key role in ensuring that emerging EU legislation particularly relating to hydrogen, grids, and cross‑border planning reflects Ireland’s regional specificities. Doing so will prevent unintended regulatory gaps, protect funding eligibility, and safeguard Ireland’s ability to contribute fully to the EU’s decarbonisation and security objectives despite its non‑connected status.

Gas Networks Ireland Strategic Priorities for the Presidency

Advocate for policy support

  • Ensure Gas Networks Ireland has developed a clear standpoint on EU and National policy which aligns with and supports the company's strategy and decarbonisation ambition.
  • Monitor and input into relevant EU and National Associations and their working groups.

Deliver on strategy and strengthen influence

  • Articulate Gas Networks Ireland's strategic positions at EU and National level.
  • Input into EU/National consultations which impact policy development and regulatory frameworks.
  • Increase influence/credibility with key EU and National stakeholders e.g. ENTSOG, Eurogas, Ibec, Hydrogen Ireland etc.
  • Proactively monitor and input into key studies and the gas legislative process.

Ensure compliance

  • Influence the direction of and deliver full compliance with EU and National legislation.

Useful links

Presidency of the Council of the European Union   

Contact us

National Policy: policy@gasnetworks.ie
European Affairs: EuropeanAffairs@gasnetworks.ie