European Commission Launches Citizens Energy Package And Clean Energy Investment Strategy To Make Power Cheaper and Speed Up the Green Transition

The European Commission has introduced two major initiatives: the Citizens Energy Package and the Clean Energy Investment Strategy. Together, these efforts are designed to boost investment in Europe’s energy transition while ensuring that energy becomes more affordable and accessible for people across the EU. SolarPower Europe shared its response to these announcements. According to Dries Acke, Deputy CEO at SolarPower Europe, the Citizens Energy Package arrives at a crucial moment.

With continued geopolitical tensions and rising fossil fuel prices, he explained that this package highlights practical steps Member States can already take to help households manage their energy costs. These measures are meant to protect consumers, reduce bills, and allow citizens to take an active role in the shift toward cleaner energy. Importantly, none of these actions require new legislation or complicated reforms, meaning countries can start applying them right away.

Acke also encouraged the EU to build on this momentum. He noted that Europe should consider updating its approach to energy taxation, as there is still a major gap between how electricity and fossil fuels are taxed. He added that recognising energy-sharing models and small plug-in solar devices would make it easier for more people to generate and use their own clean energy locally.

On the Clean Energy Investment Strategy, he said that while the strategy includes positive elements—especially around improving grid infrastructure—it still focuses heavily on research and development. He pointed out that the EU also needs a stronger emphasis on scaling technologies that are already market-ready. He welcomed the European Investment Bank’s steps to address investment challenges, but believes that more must be done to support Europe’s energy supply chain, particularly in manufacturing equipment like inverters within the EU.

The Commission has provided further details on both initiatives. The Citizens Energy Package outlines a range of recommendations for Member States. These include reducing electricity taxes and levies, adjusting network tariffs for local consumers, speeding up the process for switching suppliers, supporting self-consumption and energy-sharing models, and improving protection for vulnerable households at risk of energy poverty or disconnection.

The Clean Energy Investment Strategy focuses on attracting the large-scale investment needed to support the energy transition. Its proposals include strengthening National Energy and Climate Plans so they can serve as clearer investment roadmaps, widening access to capital markets through new financial instruments, increasing the role of public funding and the European Investment Bank to reduce the risks for investors, and creating an Energy Transition Investment Council to bring policymakers and investors together. Both initiatives underline the need for practical policies, stronger investment pathways, and tools that allow European citizens and industries to participate fully in building a clean and secure energy future.