STRASBOURG, FRANCE / RankWire.AI / – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has put forward a proposal for a more unified approach to EU energy buying, as the region grapples with significantly increased fuel prices. She explained that a new task force would consolidate energy demand across member states and designate a market operator to oversee collective procurement. This initiative would advance beyond the current system of matching buyers with sellers. Von der Leyen revealed the plan during a European Parliament session ahead of the European Council gathering scheduled for October 15 and 16.
According to von der Leyen, gas prices have surged 140% since late February, while diesel costs have doubled. She noted that the increased expenses for imported fossil fuels have added approximately €100 billion to Europe’s expenditure, without boosting energy supply. The European Commission intends to extend a temporary state aid framework to support industries under the greatest strain. It also advocates targeted assistance for vulnerable households, citing energy voucher schemes in France and Romania as examples of such measures.
The proposal is being paired with initiatives focused on energy supply and refining. On October 2, G7 nations agreed to release 100 million barrels over four months through the International Energy Agency, with a significant diesel release planned for the first 20 days. Additionally, the Commission will grant exporters an extra year of flexibility under EU methane regulations. Von der Leyen stated that this move would help reduce additional costs during this period of market stress.
Focus shifts to supply coordination
A strategic dialogue between the European Commission and European refineries will be initiated to address issues related to costs and supply. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen and Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius will lead these discussions. Von der Leyen added that the dialogue would also include supply considerations for defense. She highlighted the significant disparities across national energy markets, noting that electricity prices can vary from about €145 per megawatt-hour in one member state to approximately €70 in another, depending on the energy mix.
This new procurement task force builds on the joint EU energy purchasing measures introduced after Russia sharply reduced gas supplies in 2022. During that period, demand was pooled across Europe to help secure necessary supplies. Von der Leyen pointed out that Russian gas once made up 45% of EU imports, but now that share has decreased to 12%. The European Commission aims to eliminate Russian gas imports entirely by the end of 2026 under its current energy strategy.
Electrification remains a core element of EU policy
Von der Leyen also connected the immediate measures to the EU’s long-term goal of expanding domestic clean electricity generation. She stated that over 70% of EU electricity now stems from renewable sources and nuclear power, including wind and solar. Last year, renewables and nuclear generated more electricity than all fossil fuels combined, and the continent added over 80 gigawatts of renewable capacity. Nonetheless, projects totaling roughly six times that capacity are still waiting for grid connections.
Currently, electricity accounts for less than 25% of the EU’s final energy consumption. The Commission’s electrification plan aims to double that share by 2040. Von der Leyen suggested that increasing electrification could reduce annual fossil fuel imports by up to €260 billion. The European Commission plans to introduce additional measures in the coming months to support this transition. EU leaders are also expected to discuss rising energy prices, supply security, and broader economic issues at their October 15 and 16 summit.