EditAccelerateEU: Brussels presents new toolbox against rising energy prices
The package responds to a request made by EU heads of state to address recent spikes in imported fossil fuel prices resulting from the Middle East crisis
Increasing coordination among EU countries in crisis management – including filling gas storage facilities, using existing flexibilities, and the possible release of oil reserves, along with close cooperation on emergency measures to ensure the availability of jet fuel and diesel. These are some of the goals of AccelerateEU, the European Commission’s new emergency package aimed at tackling the rise in energy prices caused by the crisis in the Middle East.
Presenting the plan, European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen described the crisis as a phenomenon likely to persist over time. He warned that the coming months will be marked by high uncertainty and that the impact could affect member states differently. The cost, he stressed, exceeds €500 million per day and is already being felt “here and now in homes and businesses across Europe.” In this context, he insisted on the need to act quickly and in a coordinated manner, arguing that only a common European response can mitigate the worst effects of the shock.
The package responds to a request made by EU heads of state and government at the European Council on 19 March, which asked the Commission to present “a toolbox of targeted temporary measures” to address recent spikes in imported fossil fuel prices resulting from the Middle East crisis. The measures will now be discussed by EU leaders at the two-day informal European Council scheduled starting today in Cyprus.
Accelerating the transition to boost EU “security”
“Today we are talking about energy, about energy policies to talk about security – including economic security – and support for our people and our businesses. Because, as you well know, we Europeans want peace and prosperity,” said Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera at a press conference in Brussels.
Ribera stressed that energy can no longer be “used as a tool of domination or war,” thereby linking the acceleration of European energy plans not only to climate goals but also to the Union’s energy and economic security.
In her speech, Ribera also highlighted Europe’s progress on renewable energy production, noting that the first quarter of this year saw a new all-time high, with a 15% increase compared to the same period in 2025. On the cost of the transition for consumers, the Vice-President clarified that clean solutions must not remain the privilege of a few but become accessible to all, so that families and businesses can genuinely benefit from a different energy system.
Jørgensen also emphasized this point, arguing that the emergency response should not be limited to short-term price containment but should also deliver lasting benefits. He called for focusing resources on measures that offer “double value”: immediate relief and, at the same time, structural savings in the long term through clean energy.
He cited examples such as Austria’s subsidies for replacing fossil fuel boilers, measures in Belgium and Germany to promote heat pump installations, and France’s relaunch of social leasing for electric vehicles. According to Jørgensen, this shows why governments should not “simply burn taxpayers’ money on fossil fuel subsidies” but instead invest in modern technologies that create long-term value for European consumers and businesses.
What the new package includes
One of the main points is the creation of a new “Fuel Observatory” tasked with monitoring production, imports, exports, and stock levels of transport fuels across the Union. The goal – especially in light of summer concerns raised by Jørgensen – is to identify imbalances more quickly and facilitate coordinated management of fuel supply in Europe.
The Commissioner also explained that Brussels will work with member states to fill gas storage facilities ahead of next winter “without adding unnecessary pressure on markets” and will intensify efforts to ensure adequate fuel supplies, including for aircraft, across the Union.
On the protection of households and businesses, the Commission suggests using temporary and targeted tools such as income support, energy vouchers, social leasing schemes, and reductions in electricity excise duties for the most vulnerable. Brussels is also announcing a new temporary framework for state aid to give national governments greater flexibility in supporting the most exposed economic sectors.
In this framework, Jørgensen recalled that member states already have useful tools to protect consumers from price spikes, and the EU’s role will be to support, coordinate, and accelerate the spread of the most effective practices – including energy efficiency campaigns and incentives for consumption-reducing products.
Alongside urgent measures, the communication aims to accelerate the shift toward clean energy produced in Europe. By summer, the Commission will present an Action Plan for Electrification with ambitious targets and measures to remove barriers to the electrification of industry, transport, and buildings.
On this point, Jørgensen was explicit: “Now is the time to expel fossil fuels from electricity production” and to electrify industry, transport, heating, and buildings across Europe more rapidly.
The package also calls for strengthening the electricity grid system, maximizing the use of existing renewable infrastructure through the repowering of large plants, and reviewing grid charges and taxation to make electricity less expensive compared to fossil fuels.
At the same time, the Commissioner underlined that Europe must strengthen its infrastructure with more interconnections, greater storage capacity, and more flexibility – directly linking the response to the current crisis with the building of a more resilient energy system.
On the financial side, Brussels recalls that €219 billion remains available from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, in addition to cohesion funds. However, it stresses that the energy transition requires €660 billion per year until 2030, making greater involvement of private capital necessary.
Jørgensen also invited member states to redirect available resources toward high-impact energy projects capable of delivering rapid and concrete benefits. He announced the convening of a clean energy investment summit to mobilize financiers, developers, and public institutions.
The original of this article in Italian by our partner FocusEurope.it can be found here.
Caption: European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen presents AcceterateEU, 22April 2026
Updated: April 23, 2026 - 14:46
