The current energy crisis in the European Union, caused by both the conflict in the Middle East and the consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has highlighted the critical importance of reducing the EU’s dependence on imported energy resources.
This is reported by Finway
The need for energy supply diversification
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, emphasized that the impact of the conflict in the Middle East may be felt for many months or even years to come. She pointed out that this is already the second major energy crisis for the EU in the last four years. According to von der Leyen, in just 60 days of the conflict, the EU’s spending on fossil fuel imports has increased by more than 27 billion euros.
“This is the second major energy crisis in a short span of four years. The lesson must be clear to all: in such a turbulent world as ours, we simply cannot be overly dependent on imported energy resources,” said von der Leyen.
She believes that the obvious path for the EU is to reduce excessive dependence on imported fossil fuels and to develop its own clean and affordable energy sources.
The example of Sweden and new approaches to energy policy
Ursula von der Leyen noted the positive experience of Sweden, which, due to a significant share of low-carbon sources in its energy balance, has been much less affected by rising energy prices. According to her, when the price of gas rises by 1 euro per MWh, the cost of electricity for consumers increases by only 0.04 euros per MWh, as almost all electricity in Sweden comes from renewable sources and nuclear energy. This approach, in her opinion, is the key to Europe’s energy independence in the future.
The President of the European Commission also emphasized that universal solutions cannot be effective for all member states, which is why the EC has prepared a set of measures that can be adapted to the needs of individual countries.
She particularly highlighted the importance of coordination at the EU level not only regarding filling national gas storage facilities but also in the use of reserves of aviation and diesel fuel. Ursula von der Leyen called on governments to direct protective measures to support the most vulnerable households and sectors while not stimulating an increase in demand for gas and oil.
She also pointed out the need to improve energy efficiency, develop electrification, and implement digital technologies, as the EU requires significantly larger energy reserves due to the rapid increase in the number of data centers and the development of artificial intelligence.
By summer, the European Commission plans to present an Electrification Action Plan, which aims to promote the development of electric transport, industrial electrification, and electric heating. Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that this issue is not only about accessibility and competitiveness but also about the economic security of the EU. She called on EU countries to actively transition to electricity and reduce dependence on imported energy resources.
Furthermore, the President of the European Commission reminded that due to sanctions against the Russian Federation, Russians are already feeling the financial consequences of aggression against Ukraine, while the Kremlin is forced to resort to internet restrictions.