31 March 2026 16:43 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission says energy independence is imperative

Key points

Energy independence is a strategic imperative
Commission coordinating gas storage, oil supply and support measures

TL;DR

European Commission notes that since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East, prices in the EU have risen by around 70% for gas and by 60% for oil, and that 30 days of conflict have added EUR 14 billion to the Union's fossil fuels import bill.
European Commission says there are no immediate oil and gas supply shortages in the EU but reports tightening in diesel and jet fuel markets, increasing constraints in the global gas market, and spill-over effects into electricity prices.
European Commission states it is coordinating actions on gas storage refilling and oil security of supply, will present a toolbox of targeted, temporary measures to support Member States, and urges a shift to homegrown clean energy, electrification, modernised interconnections and energy efficiency.

Original text

European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Press remarks by Commissioner Jørgensen at the informal meeting of EU Energy Ministers Brussels, 31 March 2026 First of all let me thank the Cypriot Presidency and thank you Minister personally, thank you for agreeing to convene this extraordinary meeting. Now more than ever, it is extremely important that we all stand together and act together. Let me start with a few numbers: Since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East, prices in the EU have risen by around 70% for gas and by 60% for oil. In financial terms, 30 days of conflict have already added EUR 14 billion to the Union's fossil fuels import bill. 14 billion euros. These numbers paint a very clear picture: As the crisis in the Middle East enters its second month, it is clear that we are facing a very serious situation. While there are no immediate oil and gas supply shortages for in the European Union, we see tightening in certain product markets, notably diesel and jet fuel, as well as increasing constraints in global gas market and its spill-over effects into electricity prices. This situation threatens to impose further costs on our industries and our households. We should be under no illusion that the consequences of this crisis for the energy markets will be short-lived. Because they won't. It is therefore extremely important that we take action in unity and in close coordination. And that we avoid fragmented national responses and disruptive signals to the market. Our measures must be targeted, they must be temporary and avoid worsening supply and demand conditions. I am very grateful to the Ministers for having shared insights on their national situations and measures under consideration or already taken. From the Commission side, we are already coordinating actions on gas storage refilling and oil security of supply. And here my message is very clear: Better to be prepared than to be sorry. We are also working on a toolbox of measures which we will present soon to support Member States in shielding families and businesses alike. But while supporting those in need, we must stay the course on our long-term strategy. This crisis shows us once again that Europe faces a fundamental vulnerability to external energy shocks. And this is linked to our dependence on imported fossil fuels. This is why this must be the time we finally learn this lesson. This is why this must be the time we finally turn the tide and truly become energy independent. If we are to create conditions for good jobs for EU citizens, for economic security, and security overall, Europe can no longer afford to be exposed to the volatility of the global fossil fuel markets. Energy independence is the way forward and it is's a strategic imperative: economically and from a security point of view, not just for the climate. Homegrown clean energy, electrification, modernised interconnections and energy efficiency: this is the only way forward. Thank you. SPEECH/26/767 Press contacts: Anna-Kaisa ITKONEN (+32 2 29 57501) Cristiana MARCHITELLI (+32 2 29 89407) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email

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