23 March 2026 16:12 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission says von der Leyen addresses Middle East, energy and competitiveness

Key points

President Ursula von der Leyen presented targeted, temporary measures to mitigate electricity price volatility.
President von der Leyen called for de‑escalation in the Middle East and announced over €450 million in humanitarian assistance.

TL;DR

Presented four components to reduce electricity prices: use of existing State aid, lower grid charges, reduced electricity taxes, and modernisation of the Emissions Trading System (ETS).
Commission is working on ETS measures including updated benchmarks for free allocations, an enhanced Market Stability Reserve, and a €30 billion Investment Booster financed by 400 million ETS allowances.
Announced over €450 million in near‑immediate humanitarian assistance for the Middle East, called for de‑escalation and protection of civilians, and stressed preparedness against potential migration pressures.
Reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine, noted the blocked €90 billion support loan, urged swift adoption of the 20th sanctions package, and announced a One Europe, One Market roadmap to be delivered by end of 2027.

Original text

European Commission - Announcement President von der Leyen discusses the Middle East crisis, Ukraine and competitiveness with EU leaders Brussels, 23 March 2026 President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, participated in the European Council meeting held in Brussels on 19 March 2026 . She joined the EU leaders in addressing the most salient geopolitical challenges today, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East , rising energy prices , support for Ukraine , and how to further boost Europe's competitiveness . The summit, chaired by European Council President António Costa , took place amidst heightened volatility following reckless attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf, notably in Qatar, which triggered sharp global price spikes and supply risks. President von der Leyen presented a targeted plan to mitigate price volatility for households and industry, emphasising that measures must be temporary and tailored. “First of all, measures must be temporary and targeted. And that is the logic of the plan I presented today: immediate relief where possible, structural changes where necessary. We will act on all four components that determine electricity prices.” She outlined four outcomes as entailed by the plan: (1) Member States can use existing State aid measures to compensate cost increases; (2) an upcoming proposal will aim to lower grid charges thereby providing relief for energy-intensive sectors; (3) reducing taxes on electricity to ensure electricity is taxed less than fossil fuels; and (4) modernising the Emissions Trading System (ETS), . The President said the Commission is working on measures related to the ETS including updated benchmarks for free allocations, taking into account the concerns of the industry, an enhanced Market Stability Reserve, and a €30 billion Investment Booster financed by 400 million ETS allowances for industries beyond 2034. She underlined that these measures have already contributed to reduced gas consumption and increased investment in renewable and nuclear sectors. All the while, they deliver targeted, temporary relief and advance the clean energy transition for strategic autonomy. Furthermore, President von der Leyen accentuated the utmost need for de-escalation in the Middle East, calling for solidarity with affected partners in the region. At the press conference following the meeting, she said: “The situation in the region is extremely serious. It is causing great instability, suffering, and growing risks far beyond the region itself. This is why we need de-escalation and maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.” She underscored the EU's near-immediate humanitarian response by announcing over €450 million in assistance for the region. She also stressed preparedness against potential migration pressures, strongly affirming that there will be no repeat of 2015 due to stronger borders, the Migration and Asylum Pact , and European unity. The President emphasised that “as Europeans, we know that when we act together, we are stronger.” Expressing particular solidarity with Cyprus, the Member State most directly impacted by the disturbances in the Middle East, President von der Leyen asserted that “the security of Cyprus – as of any Member State – is the security of the European Union.” She commended President Nikos Christodoulides for ensuring normality and safety on the island, and confirmed her attendance at the informal European Council in Cyprus in April. Another core focus of the leaders' summit was competitiveness . President von der Leyen spoke of the concrete steps toward the “One Europe, One Market” agenda that the Commission is working on. These include EU Inc. for simplified cross-border company operations, the Industrial Accelerator Act to build lead markets in strategic technologies, revised Merger Guidelines , and progress on the Savings and Investments Union and Banking Union . She announced a forthcoming “One Europe, One Market” Roadmap with clear timelines and milestones, to be delivered by the end of 2027. This will be agreed by institutions and presented at the informal summit in Cyprus in April. “We are breathing new life into our Single Market... This is why we have proposed the EU Inc. This makes it easier, faster and cheaper for innovative companies to start, scale and do business across borders.” During their meeting, the leaders also reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine, four years into Russia's full-scale and illegal invasion. President von der Leyen lamented the blockage of the €90 billion support loan approved in December 2025. She said: " The loan remains blocked, because one leader is not honouring his word. But let me reiterate what I already said in Kyiv: We will deliver – one way or the other." The leaders also acknowledged Ukraine's plan to repair the Druzhba pipeline with EU support, and urged swift adoption of the 20th sanctions package to maintain pressure on Russia. More information: Audiovisual coverage Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Costa following the meeting of the European Council of March 2026 AC/26/689 Related media Participation of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in European Council meeting

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