Published on 19 August 2025
Overview
The European Commission plans to launch the Citizens Energy Package which should set guidelines on how communities get involved in energy projects and benefit from the continent’s switch to more renewable energy. Wind already contributes a lot in terms of community benefits and will continue doing so. Simultaneously, deployment is not moving fast enough. The Citizens Energy Package must avoid adding additional barriers. It must also recognise most projects are built by professional developers, who already apply strong community engagement practices, rather than individual communities. Without developers we will not reach our climate and energy targets. Overly prescriptive or one-size-fits-all rules could raise costs, exclude areas, or even make projects unviable. A flexible approach that reflects different project realities is essential to secure public trust and keep Europe on track for its climate goals.