Questioning EU electricity market fundamentals would only weaken Europe’s competitiveness and security agendas

Brussels, Belgium, (17 February 2026): European leaders meeting in Alden Biesen last week highlighted the urgent need to strengthen Europe’s industrial competitiveness.
 

SolarPower Europe has issued the following statement in reaction:
 

Dries Acke, Deputy CEO of SolarPower Europe (he/him), said: “European leaders are right to insist on competitive electricity prices.

They already have the necessary tools at their disposal. Long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) provide price stability for European industry, while Contracts for Difference (CfDs) lower electricity costs by enabling renewable energy projects to be financed at more favourable interest rates.
 

EU Member States that fully implement the recently agreed electricity market legislation will immediately attract cheap flexibility solutions, such as battery storage. That is the fastest route to reducing exposure to international fossil gas prices and, consequently, to structurally lowering wholesale electricity prices in Europe.
 

Reopening electricity market frameworks now, or meddling with the market fundamentals, will stall investment in solar and storage and, ultimately, deliver the opposite outcome."

 

Notes
 

• The informal European Leaders meeting in Alden Biesen focused on boosting competitiveness, deepening the single market and reducing economic dependencies. 
   
• The EU electricity market design adopted in 2024 aims to accelerate renewable and flexibility investments while reducing exposure to fossil fuel price volatility. SolarPower Europe has published a position paper calling for full and rapid implementation of the reformed electricity market design.
   
• Solar energy is the fastest and most cost-effective technology to increase Europe’s domestic electricity supply. Consult our Solar Facts.

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