The energy transition is accelerating across Europe, driven by the urgent need to decarbonise our economies, enhance energy security and lower consumers’ bills, while strengthening our economic competitiveness. Building a smart and integrated energy system is at the heart of this profound transformation. Smart grids represent a fundamental shift in how energy systems are managed and operated. They integrate advanced digital technologies, foster greater flexibility, and enable real-time interaction between network operators, producers, and consumers. In doing so, they support the integration of variable renewable energy sources, facilitate electrification of end-uses, increase energy efficiency, and create opportunities for new market actors such as prosumers, energy communities, aggregators.