The European Commission on Wednesday proposed a new package of measures aimed at reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and mitigating rising energy costs linked to tensions in the Middle East, according to an official press release.
Under the “AccelerateEU” initiative, the Commission said citizens of the European Union are “paying the price” of continued reliance on imported fossil fuels for the second time in less than five years. It noted that since the escalation of the Middle East conflict, the EU has spent an additional €24 billion on energy imports due to higher prices, without any increase in supply.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the strategy is designed to deliver both immediate relief and longer-term structural reforms, while reinforcing Europe’s energy independence. She stressed that accelerating the shift toward “homegrown, clean energies” is essential to strengthening resilience against geopolitical shocks.
The proposal outlines coordinated EU-wide actions on gas storage, oil reserves, and fuel supply management, alongside the creation of a new fuel observatory to monitor flows and stock levels. It also includes temporary support mechanisms for households and industries, such as energy vouchers, income assistance schemes, and greater flexibility under state aid rules.
In the longer term, the plan focuses on speeding up electrification, expanding renewable energy capacity, and reinforcing cross-border electricity grids. The Commission estimates that achieving the energy transition will require around €660 billion annually through 2030, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing both public instruments—such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility and cohesion funds—and private investment.
The “AccelerateEU” proposal will be reviewed by EU leaders at an informal European Council meeting scheduled for April 23–24 in the Greek Cypriot Administration.
