Overview
WHAT IS IT
Energy infrastructure means any physical equipment or facility falling under the energy infrastructure categories which is located within the Energy Community. In the context of electricity, energy infrastructure generally refers to the facilities and equipment used for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The interconnections play particularly important role in the context of energy system and market integration. Therefore, the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) initiative was launched with the aim of enhancing the integration of energy infrastructure across the Energy Community (EnC) countries by establishing a framework for the timely development and interoperability of trans-European energy networks. Regulation (EU) 2022/869, which sets out guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure, seeks to support the achievement of interconnected energy systems, strengthen energy security, promote market and system integration, and foster competition. These efforts are intended to benefit all Contracting Parties of the Energy Community while also contributing to the affordability of energy prices.
The adapted TEN-E Regulation (EU) 2022/869 defines a mechanism for a biannual priority project selection process through which the Energy Community identifies Projects of Energy Community Interest (PECIs)—infrastructure projects that meet specific criteria for regional energy security, market integration, and sustainability. Projects are proposed, evaluated by two technical subgroups (electricity and gases), and the process results in a prioritised list adopted by the Energy Community Ministerial Council, which formally adopted the adapted regulation in 2023.
WHY IT MATTERS
The PECI label signifies a project's strategic importance to the Energy Community and enhances its eligibility for EU financial support through instruments such as IPA III, NDICI – Global Europe, WBIF, EFSD+, and others. In addition to improved investment attractiveness, PECI projects benefit from streamlined permitting, possible cross-border cost allocation, and priority treatment—ensuring faster and more effective development of energy infrastructure aligned with the region’s energy and climate goals.
EXPERT GROUP: PECI COORDINATION GROUPS
The PECI Groups, established under the adapted framework of the revised TEN-E Regulation (EU) 2022/869, serve as decision-making bodies responsible for the selection of Projects of Energy Community Interest (PECIs). The regulation foresees the creation of two subgroups—one for electricity and one for gases—comprising representatives from Contracting Party ministries, national regulatory authorities, TSOs, ENTSO-E or ENTSOG, the European Commission, the Energy Community Secretariat, the Energy Community Regulatory Board, and ECDSO-E. Meeting biennially, these subgroups assess project proposals, agree on evaluation methodologies and criteria, and propose a preliminary PECI list for adoption by the Ministerial Council.
Initially established in 2015 under the previous Regulation (EU) 347/2013, these Groups have consistently played a central role in identifying key infrastructure projects, reflecting both the continuity and evolution of regional energy policy.
