EU exacerbates on rising energy prices

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that they are concerned by recent energy prices rise and that excessive external dependence on natural gas is unstable.

At the session of the General Assembly of the Economic and Social Committee of Europe held in Brussels, von der Leyeen spoke of increasing energy prices. She stressed that EU countries are heavily dependent abroad on natural gas.

The European Commission's chief announced that Europe imports 90 percent of its natural gas needs, as well as added that Europe's energy security in the future is clearly linked by domestic and clean energy”.

After announcing that fossil fuels prices have become even more expensive in recent years, von der Leeyen explained that in the face of this, prices of renewable resources do not rise.

Von der Leeyen said EU countries in the short term plan can protect consumers and businesses in the face of high prices with public support and lower their bills.

Likewise, she announced, the EU is also assessing strategies such as the formation of joint gas reserves and natural gas supplies with joint agreements. She stressed that the only way to escape energy dependence on the long-term plan is investment in renewable resources.

Von der Leeyen added that 500 billion euros from the long-term budget and EU recovery programme have been earmarked for green transformation, and that with this source it is planned to accelerate different renewable investments, such as wind, sun and green hydrogen.

In Europe mainly since autumn, prices of energy products such as natural gas and electricity are rapidly rising. This situation worries consumers who face high bills in the winter months.