In a statement delivered on April 13, 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the European Union must intensify its shift to "homegrown" and "reliable" renewable and nuclear energy to counter the economic fallout of the ongoing war in Iran.

 

EU must scale up 'homegrown' renewable energy as war in Iran continues, European Commission president says

In a statement delivered on April 13, 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the European Union must intensify its shift to "homegrown" and "reliable" renewable and nuclear energy to counter the economic fallout of the ongoing war in Iran.

 

Speaking in Brussels, the President highlighted the urgent need for energy independence as the conflict enters its second month, citing several critical impacts on the bloc:

Financial Impact: The war in the Middle East has added approximately €22 billion ($26 billion) to the EU's energy-import bill since it began in late February.

Energy Security: The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the disruption of fossil fuel routes have exposed European vulnerabilities, making domestic production a strategic priority.

The Strategy: Von der Leyen promised a formal strategy to be presented next Wednesday (April 22) outlining how the EU will contain further economic damage.

Technological Focus: Beyond standard renewables like wind and solar, she specifically championed the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) and nuclear energy as key pillars for future predictability.

 

The Commission maintains that modernizing through electrification and expanding local generation—which already accounts for over 70% of EU electricity—is the only permanent way to escape fossil fuel dependency.