The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union (EU), proposed measures to protect Europeans from the fossil fuel crisis and accelerate the transition to clean, locally produced energy with the launch of the AccelerateEU program, which features short and long-term measures.
The Commission states that it will ensure that measures at Member State level are implemented in full coordination – which it considers “fundamental” – and informs that a new “Fuel Observatory” will be created to monitor production, imports, exports and stock levels of transport fuels in the bloc, according to a statement published this Wednesday, 22.
According to the text, protecting consumers, including industry, against price spikes could include targeted income support programs, energy vouchers and social leasing programs, as well as reducing excise taxes on electricity for vulnerable households.
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In addition to the measures, the EU promises to accelerate the transition to locally produced clean energy to replace oil, gas and fossil fuels for transport and says that, by the summer in the northern hemisphere, it will present an “Action Plan for Electrification”, which includes an “ambitious” target and measures to remove barriers to electrification in the industrial, transport and construction sectors.
The statement also highlights the importance of boosting investments in the sector. “Public money alone will not cover the significant investment needs (€660 billion per year until 2030) for the energy transition. To mobilize private investment, the Commission therefore adopted a Clean Energy Investment Strategy in March 2026”, he details.
