Thank you President, Honourable members,

The recent blackout in the Iberian Peninsula revealed how critical our grid infrastructure is. It highlighted the solidarity and resilience of affected communities. People helped each other, showing what is most important in times of crisis.

The Commission stands with the authorities and workers in Spain, Portugal, and France who worked tirelessly to restore power. We support the ongoing investigations by ENTSO-E and look forward to their findings.

This incident underlines the importance of crisis preparedness, a key element of our Action Plan for Affordable Energy. We aim to enhance energy security and transition to a sustainable energy system.

We are committed to reinforcing Europes energy security through legislative proposals and by strengthening our energy infrastructure. This includes improving interconnections and investing in modern energy grids.

Our focus will be on integration, interconnection, and investments. We will establish an Energy Union Task Force to enhance coordination across Member States and propose a Grids Package to address pressing infrastructure needs.

Interconnectors will play a vital role in system resilience, allowing countries to support each other during shortages.

Investing in 21st-century grids is crucial for meeting modern challenges. We must support clean energy projects for climate goals and to ensure affordable energy.

The blackout reminds us that energy security must not be taken for granted. It emphasizes the importance of solidarity in crisis.

We must work together to build a strong European Energy Union, ensuring clean, secure energy for our future.

Thank you for your attention; I look forward to this debate.