Middle East Conflict Drives Up EU Energy Spending; Von der Leyen Emphasizes Electrification Push
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the Middle East conflict has significantly increased the EU's energy import expenditure. She emphasized the urgent need to reduce over-reliance on imported fossil fuels and promote an "Electrified Europe."
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 30, 2026 at 09:04
- 🔍 Collected: April 30, 2026 at 09:31 (26 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 1, 2026 at 10:12 (24h 41m after Collected)
Middle East War Key News
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Wu Bo-wei, Brussels, 29th) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pointed out today that the Middle East conflict has led to a significant increase in the EU's energy import expenditure. Europe must reduce its excessive reliance on imported fossil fuels, and promoting an "Electrified Europe" is an urgent priority.
According to data released by the European Commission, von der Leyen delivered a speech at the plenary session of the European Parliament on the 29th, mainly addressing the U.S.-Iran conflict and the resulting energy crisis.
Von der Leyen said that after weeks of conflict, the situation is finally de-escalating, and everyone hopes that the ceasefire agreements between Iran and Lebanon will hold. The ultimate goal is to re-establish peace and stability through diplomatic means.
The common goal is to end the war, which includes restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring no tolls are charged. At the same time, any peace agreement must be able to address Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Von der Leyen admitted that the impact of this conflict could last for months or even years, marking the second major energy crisis in just four years. During the past 60 days of conflict, the EU's expenditure on imported fossil fuels increased by over 27 billion euros (approximately NT$997 billion), without gaining any additional energy.
She emphasized that the future direction is clear: it is necessary to reduce excessive reliance on imported fossil fuels and turn to developing indigenous, affordable, and clean energy in Europe. From renewable energy to nuclear power, all will be promoted with full respect for technological neutrality.
Von der Leyen stated that the energy mix of each EU member state is different, making it difficult to address the current crisis with a single solution. Therefore, the European Commission has proposed a policy toolbox, including three measures: "strengthening internal EU coordination," "protecting consumers and businesses," and "reducing demand through modernizing energy systems," to help member states cope with the crisis.
Von der Leyen emphasized that Europe has limited fossil fuel resources, so it should lead the world in electrification. Last year, the EU proposed the "Grid Action Plan" to adapt energy infrastructure for electrification. The European Parliament and the Council of the EU have agreed to accelerate negotiation efforts.
Currently, nearly 300 billion euros have been allocated in the EU budget for energy-related fields, with 95 billion euros still available. This funding will be used to promote the transformation of transportation, industry, and heating systems. Now is the time to push for an "Electrified Europe." (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150430
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Wu Bo-wei, Brussels, 29th) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pointed out today that the Middle East conflict has led to a significant increase in the EU's energy import expenditure. Europe must reduce its excessive reliance on imported fossil fuels, and promoting an "Electrified Europe" is an urgent priority.
According to data released by the European Commission, von der Leyen delivered a speech at the plenary session of the European Parliament on the 29th, mainly addressing the U.S.-Iran conflict and the resulting energy crisis.
Von der Leyen said that after weeks of conflict, the situation is finally de-escalating, and everyone hopes that the ceasefire agreements between Iran and Lebanon will hold. The ultimate goal is to re-establish peace and stability through diplomatic means.
The common goal is to end the war, which includes restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring no tolls are charged. At the same time, any peace agreement must be able to address Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Von der Leyen admitted that the impact of this conflict could last for months or even years, marking the second major energy crisis in just four years. During the past 60 days of conflict, the EU's expenditure on imported fossil fuels increased by over 27 billion euros (approximately NT$997 billion), without gaining any additional energy.
She emphasized that the future direction is clear: it is necessary to reduce excessive reliance on imported fossil fuels and turn to developing indigenous, affordable, and clean energy in Europe. From renewable energy to nuclear power, all will be promoted with full respect for technological neutrality.
Von der Leyen stated that the energy mix of each EU member state is different, making it difficult to address the current crisis with a single solution. Therefore, the European Commission has proposed a policy toolbox, including three measures: "strengthening internal EU coordination," "protecting consumers and businesses," and "reducing demand through modernizing energy systems," to help member states cope with the crisis.
Von der Leyen emphasized that Europe has limited fossil fuel resources, so it should lead the world in electrification. Last year, the EU proposed the "Grid Action Plan" to adapt energy infrastructure for electrification. The European Parliament and the Council of the EU have agreed to accelerate negotiation efforts.
Currently, nearly 300 billion euros have been allocated in the EU budget for energy-related fields, with 95 billion euros still available. This funding will be used to promote the transformation of transportation, industry, and heating systems. Now is the time to push for an "Electrified Europe." (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150430
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.