Taking action to help EU countriesThe 2026 crisis in the Middle East is causing a spike of the fossil fuel energy prices which is impacting our economies. This is why the European Commission is taking immediate action to help EU countries support consumers and companies, including the most vulnerable in society and sectors struggling the most. Thanks to the EU clean energy agenda, accelerated through the REPowerEU measures, there is no immediate security of supply concern for the EU. The EU keeps making its energy system more resilient, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. Page contents Page contents Resilience amid global challenges Thanks to our joint efforts, Europe’s energy system has remained resilient despite global market disruptions. Diversified gas and oil supplies, strategic reserves, and increased LNG import capacity have ensured security of supply. However, global price spikes remain a concern. AccelerateEU: the toolbox to bring immediate relief to European households and industriesIn response, the European Commission proposed AccelerateEU, in April 2026, a set of new measures to increase EU coordination, both within the Union and with energy providers and partner countriessupport EU countries in protecting consumers and businesses from price peakscontinue decreasing reliance on oil and gaspromote electrification and clean, homegrown energyboost public and private investments To support these goals, the Commission stands ready to coordinate with the International Energy Agency (IEA) the largest-ever release of oil stocks and closely monitor energy markets through a dedicated Energy Union Task Force. It also proposes to introduce temporary and targeted measures like state aid for economic sectors that are most exposed to price spikes.A new Fuel Observatory will be established to track EU production, imports, exports and stock levels of transport fuels. This will enable swift identification of potential shortages and, in the case of emergency stock releases, ensure a balanced fuel distribution. To shield households and businesses from price spikes, EU countries could put in place income support schemes, energy vouchers and social leasing schemes, and lowering electricity taxes for vulnerable households. Find out more about AccelerateEU There is no immediate security of supply concern for the EU. Our supply of both oil - including diesels and jet fuels - and gas is diversified across global markets. The EU has successfully moved away from overreliance on a single gas supplier to a mix of pipeline and LNG supplies from across the globe. Investing in clean energy and infrastructure To ensure affordable energy and energy independence, the EU is accelerating the development of infrastructure and clean energy technologies. Key initiatives include the European Grids Package, enabling electricity to flow efficiently across borders and integrating cheaper, cleaner energythe promotion of ‘energy highways’, priority projects addressing infrastructure needs, such as the Bornholm Energy Islandan electrification action plan by summer 2026 that will facilitate the electrification of the industrial, transport and building sectors Between 2025-2026, nearly €2 billion in grants are supporting cross-border energy projects to strengthen energy security and competitiveness. Accelerating the energy transition 71% share of renewable and nuclear energyin electricity generation in 2024, up from 63% before the latest crisis To speed up the energy transition, the Commission will assist EU countries in using EU funding in the best possible way, while mobilising private investments for the transition. The EU is also modernising its Emissions Trading System (ETS) to further reduce fossil fuel dependency and drive investments in renewables and nuclear power. increasing the Market Stability Reserve to reduce price volatilityallocating €30 billion through the ETS Investment Booster for industrial decarbonisation projectssupporting lower-income EU countries with guaranteed financial access Previous EU actions to address the energy crisisAfter Russia triggered the 2022 energy crisis, the EU acted together to secure energy, stabilise prices and speed up the clean energy transition. Since then, Europe has reduced dependence on Russian fossil fuels, and has been working to make energy more affordable and accessible for households and businesses.Find out more about the EU’s energy actions and results Frequently asked questions Where does the energy come from?The energy we use in our homes in the EU comes from different sources, both from the EU and outside the EU.Find out more about EU production and energy that the EU imports.Why are prices going up?The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is pushing up fossil fuel prices and imports costs. The EU still relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, so price shocks abroad translate immediately into higher costs at home. Amid the volatility in global markets, the EU is well prepared but is stepping up action both in the short and in the long term.Is there any EU support for citizens facing high energy costs?In 2025, the Commission adopted the affordable energy action plan, with concrete short-term and structural measures to cut electricity bills, reduce exposure to price shocks and protecting consumers. As essential part of this action plan, the citizens energy package sets out concrete actions to lower bills, protect consumers and tackle energy poverty by helpingswitching to cheaper energy supplier. Consumers could save on average €150 per yearlowering taxes and levies on their electricity bills. This could save households on average €200 per yearproviding more transparent information on energy bills and contracts. This helps consumers make informed decisionsEU countries are encouraged to help vulnerable consumers, with targeted income support, energy vouchers, lowering energy taxes. Member States should also make use of already existing rules to protect vulnerable consumers from disconnection from their energy supply. How does the EU plan to protect households and businesses facing the energy crisis?The planned EU actions focus ona robust coordination among Member States, for example on gas storage filling to prevent multiple countries entering the market simultaneously, as well as on coordinated stock releasesmeasures for Member States to better protect vulnerable households and sectors from high energy prices and a new temporary state-aid frameworkmeasures to reduce the demand while fully respecting the free choice of consumers, such as renovation of buildings or renewal of equipment in industrial operationsWill there be energy shortages?There is no immediate security of supply concern for the EU. Our supply of both oil - including diesels and jet fuels - and gas is diversified across global markets. The EU has successfully moved away from overreliance on a single gas supplier to a mix of pipeline and LNG supplies from across the globe.How are the EU’s investments in renewables helping to mitigate the impact of the global energy crisis in Europe?Europe’s high energy costs are heavily influenced by its dependence on imported fossil fuels. Expanding the amount and range of renewable energy sources would help reduce the costs of energy supply and energy prices for industry and citizens. Member States that have a high share of renewables and nuclear generally have electricity prices below the EU average. Since 2021, the EU has made substantial progress in expanding its renewable capacity, with the share of renewables in the electricity mix rising from 36% to 48% by 2025. Together with nuclear, more than 70% of our electricity is now produced from low-carbon energy sources.Is the EU doing anything to stop energy companies from overcharging?The EU is actively regulating energy markets to prevent unfair pricing, market abuse, and practices that could lead to consumers being overcharged. The Regulation on Energy Market Integrity and Transparency (REMIT) is a key EU policy protecting EU citizens and businesses from energy market abuse. It prevents market manipulation by mandating transaction reporting, setting price monitoring frameworks, and enabling regulators to investigate and sanction violations such as insider trading.In the AccelerateEU communication, the Commission has confirmed that Member States can also take measures on the taxation of windfall profits to ensure social fairness; the Commission will respect Member States’ decisions and assess these national measures and their impact on the single market. What’s the latest update on jet fuel availability for airlines in the EU?Right now, there are no jet fuel shortages in the EU. Guaranteeing airlines have the fuel they need is an EU’s priority. Here in the European Union, we also have significant capacity to refine crude oil and produce jet fuel. We are putting plans in place so that if challenges arise in the future, we’re ready to act quickly. Related links REPowerEUEU Energy prices AffordabilityActions supporting affordable energy This page was last updated on 22 April 2026
Taking action to help EU countriesThe 2026 crisis in the Middle East is causing a spike of the fossil fuel energy prices which is impacting our economies. This is why the European Commission is taking immediate action to help EU countries support consumers and companies, including the most vulnerable in society and sectors struggling the most. Thanks to the EU clean energy agenda, accelerated through the REPowerEU measures, there is no immediate security of supply concern for the EU. The EU keeps making its energy system more resilient, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.
Previous EU actions to address the energy crisisAfter Russia triggered the 2022 energy crisis, the EU acted together to secure energy, stabilise prices and speed up the clean energy transition. Since then, Europe has reduced dependence on Russian fossil fuels, and has been working to make energy more affordable and accessible for households and businesses.Find out more about the EU’s energy actions and results
