In a series of statements in late April 2026, Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that true energy security—and lower prices—can only be achieved by shifting rapidly to a "homegrown, affordable, clean energy supply" produced within Europe.

 

EU needs to reduce its overdependency on imported fossil fuels, and focus on clean energy supply, von der Leyen says

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently reinforced the urgent need for the EU to end its "overdependency" on imported fossil fuels, citing a massive €25 billion increase in the Union's energy bill in just 54 days due to recent Middle East conflicts.

 

In a series of statements in late April 2026, she emphasized that true energy security—and lower prices—can only be achieved by shifting rapidly to a "homegrown, affordable, clean energy supply" produced within Europe.

 

The "AccelerateEU" Strategy

The Commission has launched the AccelerateEU plan to fast-track this transition. Key pillars of the strategy include:

 

Massive Electrification: The EU aims to set an ambitious electrification target by summer 2026. The goal is to move transport, industry, and buildings away from gas and oil toward an electricity-based system.

Technological Neutrality: Von der Leyen stressed that the new energy mix must include "all sorts of renewables" (solar, wind, geothermal) and nuclear power as a stable baseload.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): The EU is heavily promoting research and investment in SMRs to provide cleaner, domestic baseload capacity by the early 2030s.

Modernizing the Grid: To support this shift, the EU is fast-tracking the European Grids Package and "Energy Highways" to ensure cheap power can flow efficiently across borders.

 

Economic & Security Drivers

The push is driven by two main vulnerabilities highlighted in 2026:

Geopolitical Risk: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and volatility in the Middle East have caused a second major energy crisis in four years, making it clear that relying on foreign fossil fuels is no longer viable for European competitiveness.

Cost Disadvantage: Von der Leyen noted that fossil fuel energy will remain the most expensive option for the foreseeable future. In contrast, clean energy sources are already proving to be cheaper and more stable for households and businesses.

 

Key Upcoming Deadlines

May 2026: Informal meeting of EU Energy Ministers in Cyprus to discuss a "catalogue of replicable measures" for energy savings.

Summer 2026: Presentation of the final Electrification Action Plan and the Grids Package.

Late 2026: A Clean Energy Investment Summit to mobilize the estimated €660 billion in annual investment needed for the transition through 2030.