Energy? Crisis can worsen “as we approach winter”

“Twe feel these costs [energy] higher. Companies are under strong pressure, people have difficulty paying their bills and this situation could get worse as we approach the winter“ said community executive leader Ursula von der Leyen.

Speaking in a debate in the European Parliament in the French city of Strasbourg on the forthcoming meeting of the European Council scheduled for the middle of this month, she called for: “We must act now to protect those who need it most and to ensure that we get out of this crisis stronger than we did.”.

To this end, “we have to face structural problems,” he added.

According to data released at the time by the President of the European Commission, gas prices have increased by 140 % since the end of February, while gas prices have doubled.

In all, imported fossil fuels cost the EU EUR 100 billion more since the start of the war with Iran caused by the US and Israeli attacks.

“ In the short term, we need to support the Member States to respond to the immediate pressure, but in the medium and long term, we must continue to face the structural problems that leave us exposed to the volatility of foreign fossil fuel markets,” she said.

Von der Leyen has already advocated an immediate response to the energy crisis, adapted to the situation of each Member State.

Among the measures, it pointed out support for the most exposed industrial sectors through a temporary state aid framework and support for the most vulnerable families: “Support must be directed and we cannot distribute support indiscriminately.”.

On the supply side, he highlighted the G7 agreement to release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil, as well as greater flexibility for exporters in complying with the methane rules.

Ursula von der Leyen also announced a strategic dialogue on European refineries to reduce costs and ensure the necessary supplies, including for defence, and a new working group to aggregate energy demand and move forward for joint purchases.

In the medium and long term, the President of the Commission advocated reducing dependence on fossil fuels and replacing it with clean electricity produced in Europe.

In order to do so, it called for the European package to be advanced to power grids, stressing the need to connect the renewable capacity currently waiting for connection to the network, and advocated the increase in the electrification of the economy, with the aim of doubling the current share of electricity in final energy consumption by 2040.

The intervention precedes the European Council meeting of mid-October, at which Heads of State and Government of 27 should discuss, among other issues, the EU's economic and energy situation.

The energy crisis has worsened with rising fossil fuel prices and disruption of supply routes.

Despite price pressure, Brussels does not see an immediate risk to energy supply next winter, given the diversification of sources and the strengthening of reserves.