Speaking during a European Parliament plenary session on Wednesday (29 April), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that “the consequences of this conflict may echo for months or even years to come” as she addressed the ongoing Middle East crisis and its impact on Europe’s energy security.
Von der Leyen stated that Europe’s “over dependency on imported fossil fuels makes us vulnerable”, revealing that the EU’s fossil fuel import bill had increased by more than €27 billion in just 60 days “without one single molecule of energy in addition”. She argued that expanding renewables and nuclear energy was essential for Europe’s economic security and long-term independence.
The address also focused on Ukraine, with von der Leyen confirming that the EU would distribute the first tranche of a €90 billion support package for 2026 this quarter, including funding for Ukraine’s defence sector and drone production.
The Commission President also outlined plans to strengthen EU energy coordination, accelerate electrification and support investment in competitiveness, defence, research and strategic industries across Europe.
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