Monday, 17 August 2026Europe · Analysis
Independent · Brussels & Berlin
Person
European Commissioner for Energy, European Commission
The European Commission has presented a package of emergency and structural measures after the bloc spent an extra €24 billion on energy imports since the Middle East conflict erupted, with jet fuel supplies through the Strait of Hormuz the most immediate vulnerability.
With the Strait of Hormuz blocked and Asian buyers outbidding Europe for LNG, the EU faces its most severe supply test since the Ukraine invasion, forcing ministers to ask citizens to cut consumption while industry warns of factory shutdowns.
European Council meeting in Brussels shifts from competitiveness to crisis management after Strait of Hormuz closure spikes energy costs and Trump's Iran policy forces difficult unity choices.
The European Commission's delayed plan bans new Russian gas contracts this year and all imports by 2027, yet Russian LNG flows rose 18% in 2024 and France increased purchases by 81%.
The newsletter
Delivered to your inbox on the days we publish. No daily digest, no push notifications, no advertising.