29 September 2026 17:02 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission Addresses Energy Price Crisis and Preparedness

Key points

Commissioner Jørgensen reports that Europe continues to experience high energy prices and volatility following the conflict in Iran.
The European Commission outlines a two-fold strategy of pursuing clean energy independence while providing short-term, targeted relief.

TL;DR

Commissioner Jørgensen states that Europe faces an ongoing energy price crisis and high volatility due to global geopolitics and the conflict in Iran.
The European Union has spent over 100 billion euros extra on fossil fuel imports without receiving additional energy since the war began.
Winter energy supplies face no immediate risks, but high prices continue to burden European citizens and workers.
The strategy focuses on clean energy independence, structural changes, and the Grids Package and Electrification Plan.
Short-term relief measures should be temporary and well-targeted, and gas storage filling targets may be reduced to 80% to alleviate price pressures.

Original text

European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Opening remarks by Commissioner Jørgensen at the press conference concluding the Informal Energy Council Dublin, 29 September 2026 Thank you, Minister, for hosting these important discussions here in Dublin. And thank you for your putting energy affordability and security at the top of the agenda. Months after the start of the conflict in Iran, it is clear that we are still facing an energy price crisis in Europe. We see little progress around the Strait of Hormuz, global geopolitics remain extremely turbulent and, as a consequence, prices remain highly volatile. Since the start of the war, the EU has already paid more than 100 billion euro extra for fossil fuel imports without a single extra molecule of energy received. A stark example of how dangerous and expensive it is to be dependent on imported fossil fuels. As regards our winter preparedness, we see no immediate risks when it comes to energy supplies in Europe – we have done and are doing a lot of work to ensure that. By working closely with our Member States and the sector. Still, when you have plenty of European citizens struggling with their bills and workers driving to work every day who pay such high prices at the tank station – then to me it's pretty clear that we are not in a good position. This is why we need to act. All together. As a Union. Because this level of prices must not become the new normal. Addressing high energy prices is a top priority for the Member States, for me, for the Commission. And we are committed to address this situation with an open mind, pragmatism and flexibility. This is what I made clear to Ministers today as well. Europe's strategy must be two-fold: First, doubling down on the clean transition and implementing structural changes. Then the other leg of the work is to be flexible, pragmatic. In this very difficult transition period, we must help Member States, companies, citizens to handle this crisis. So the direction of our journey is set, and that's clean energy independence. Because having more homegrown clean energy, interconnections, upgraded grids, storage, efficiency and electrification is the only way for Europe to become independent and lower prices structurally. The summer was yet another confirmation that this is the right way to go. On this, we have important initiatives on the table, including the Grids Package and the Electrification Plan, that can truly make a difference. I trust that the Member States and Parliament share my urgency to agree and deliver. Now, on the coming weeks and months, a few important points I want to make: One: We need to continue our preparatory work on winter preparedness. The Gas Storage rules give us flexibility. We think that reducing the filling target to 80% can help alleviate immediate pressure on prices and refilling costs. Two: In the short-term, relief measures are also needed. In particular for the parts of our society and economy most affected. On this, it is important to stick to temporary and well-targeted measures. Fiscal resources are limited and we shouldn't waste public money in measures that are counterproductive in a fossil energy crisis. And I urge governments to use the fiscal flexibility that we have provided for clean energy investments. Finally, I want to stress that the Commission is listening to Member States and to companies, to their call for more flexibility. I heard you and indeed there is a number of things we are looking at to see if we can help more. Methane is one of them. But we are also looking into what we could do to support the availability and affordability of transport fuels. This is a major concern for many citizens, and it impacts large parts of our economy. Let me also stress how important it is that we step up the pace on implementation. Under existing EU legislation, there's already many good things we can do and that will pay off in the future. I look forward to the work ahead with our Member States and Ministers. And thank you again, Minister, for the good discussions today. SPEECH/26/2016 <@rel_link@> Press contacts: Anna-Kaisa ITKONEN (+32 2 295 75 01) Cristiana MARCHITELLI (+32 2 298 94 07) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email

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