The European Commission (EC) is exploring potential changes to EU energy legislation as part of a broader initiative to alleviate the regulatory burden on struggling industries, according to sources cited by Reuters.

In February, the EC introduced proposals aimed at reducing sustainability reporting requirements. Discussions around simplifying the bloc’s energy policy are still in the early stages, but these potential changes could be included in a broader package aimed at easing regulations for small and medium-sized businesses. This package is expected to be presented in April or May.

The current energy directive sets binding targets for the EU to reduce energy consumption. It mandates energy audits for companies and requires large businesses to develop management plans addressing energy efficiency.

The EC is also considering simplifying the renewable energy law, which sets binding targets for member states to increase the use of renewable energy sources.

An EC spokesperson declined to comment to Reuters on whether energy will be a central focus of the upcoming regulatory package.

Brussels has launched a campaign to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that European businesses believe put them at a competitive disadvantage compared to China and the United States. According to insiders, the EU Energy Efficiency Directive is among the policies currently under review.

As a reminder, in 2024, the EU reduced energy imports (oil, natural gas, LNG) by 7.1% year-on-year to 720.4 million tons. In value terms, these imports fell by 16.2% year-on-year to €375.9 billion.

Renewable energy accounted for 46.9% of all electricity generated in the European Union last year, reflecting a steady increase in clean energy usage and a gradual reduction in reliance on fossil fuels.