EU lawmakers back faster approvals for EV charging projects
European Parliament committee supports measures to shorten permitting timelines and ease requirements for charging infrastructure across the EU.
Members of the European Parliament have backed new measures aimed at accelerating the approval process for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, as part of broader efforts to speed up energy and grid projects across the European Union.
The Industry, Research and Energy Committee approved a proposal that would introduce shorter permitting deadlines, a single national digital portal for applications and simplified procedures for projects including renewable energy, electricity grids, energy storage and EV charging stations.
Among the proposed changes, MEPs support raising the threshold that triggers permitting requirements from 100 kW to 200 kW for small-scale solar installations, energy storage systems and charging infrastructure. Charging stations installed on artificial structures with a total capacity of 1 MW or less would no longer require administrative permits.
The draft legislation also seeks to accelerate grid connection procedures, a key factor in deploying new charging infrastructure. Under the proposal, connection processes would be subject to stricter deadlines, with some projects potentially receiving tacit approval if authorities fail to respond within the required timeframe.
The measures form part of the EU’s wider strategy to expand clean energy infrastructure and address lengthy permitting procedures, which have been identified as a major obstacle to energy and transport electrification.
According to the European Parliament, slow and complex permitting processes remain one of the main causes of delays for energy projects across the bloc. Lawmakers argue that faster approvals for grid, renewable energy and charging infrastructure will support the electrification of transport while helping improve energy security and affordability.
