STRASBOURG, FRANCE / RankWire.AI / – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled plans for a more unified approach to joint EU energy purchases amid soaring fuel prices. She explained that a new dedicated task force would coordinate energy demand across member states and designate a market operator to oversee joint procurement efforts. This initiative aims to advance beyond the current system of matching individual buyers with sellers. Von der Leyen announced this measure during a debate in the European Parliament prior to the European Council’s scheduled meeting on October 15 and 16.
Von der Leyen highlighted that European gas prices have surged by 140% since February’s end, with diesel prices doubling. She noted that increased fossil fuel import costs have added roughly €100 billion to Europe’s expenses without boosting energy intake. The European Commission intends to extend a temporary state aid framework to support industrial sectors under significant pressure and also advocates targeted assistance for vulnerable households. She pointed to energy voucher schemes in France and Romania as examples of such measures.
In addition, the Commission is pairing this procurement initiative with strategies aimed at energy supply and refining. On October 2, G7 members agreed to release 100 million barrels via the International Energy Agency over four months, including a substantial diesel release during the initial 20 days. The Commission will also grant exporters an extra year of flexibility regarding EU methane regulations. Von der Leyen explained that this step would help reduce additional costs during the current market tension.
Focus shifts toward supply coordination
A strategic dialogue between the European Commission and European refineries will be launched to address issues related to costs and supply requirements. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen and Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius will facilitate these discussions. Von der Leyen indicated that the dialogue would also encompass supplies necessary for defense. She also acknowledged significant disparities across national energy markets, noting that electricity prices can vary from about €145 per megawatt-hour in one member state to roughly €70 in another, depending on the energy mix.
The newly proposed joint energy procurement framework builds upon measures introduced after Russia sharply reduced gas supplies in 2022. During that period, the EU pooled demand and united European buyers to secure supplies effectively. Von der Leyen stated that Russian gas made up 45% of EU imports at that time, but that share has since decreased to 12%. The Commission’s goal is to eliminate Russian gas imports entirely by the end of 2026, in line with its current energy strategy.
Electrification remains a core element of EU’s strategy
Von der Leyen emphasized that the immediate measures are part of a broader long-term transition toward increased reliance on domestically generated clean electricity. Currently, over 70% of EU electricity originates from renewable sources and nuclear power, she said. Last year, wind and solar energy produced more electricity than all fossil fuels combined, with Europe adding over 80 gigawatts of renewable capacity. Nonetheless, projects with capacity about six times larger are still awaiting grid connection approval.
At present, electricity accounts for less than 25% of the EU’s final energy consumption. The Commission’s electrification action plan aims to nearly double that figure by 2040. Von der Leyen noted that increasing electrification could reduce annual fossil fuel imports by as much as €260 billion. The European Commission plans to introduce additional measures to promote this transition in the coming months. During their October 15 and 16 meeting, EU leaders are also expected to address issues related to rising energy costs, supply security, and broader economic challenges.