The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has announced an ambitious Action Plan for Electrification, aiming to drastically reduce the bloc’s dependence on fossil fuels. This initiative seeks to shield Europe from price shocks, as illustrated by the current situation in the Middle East, which is sending “shockwaves across the globe”.
At the 2026 European Clean Tech Conference, Ursula von der Leyen emphasised that although Europe is “less exposed than before”, it is “not immune” as long as it relies on oil and gas. Electrification, which involves switching from fossil fuels to electricity for end uses such as transport and heating, is presented as a key to energy security.
How will the EU support its clean tech industry?
The figures support this move: electric vehicle purchases have jumped by 51% since the conflicts began, and the EU boasts significant production capacity in green technologies, with two-thirds of its heat pumps manufactured on the continent, as well as advances in offshore wind and electrolysers. To support this momentum, the EU has established the Industrial Accelerator Act, simplifying regulations and fast-tracking permits, while ensuring foreign investments bring “real value to Europe”.
Using public funds and ETS revenues for a green economy
The Commission is also introducing “Made in EU” and low-carbon criteria for public procurement, directing spending towards European industry. The Emissions Trading System (ETS) is another pillar of this strategy. Since 2005, emissions from sectors covered by the ETS have fallen by 39%, while the economy has grown by 71%, generating over €260 billion.
Ursula von der Leyen insisted that 100% of the EU-level ETS revenues are reinvested in clean innovation, a model she wishes to see extended to the national level. A reform of the ETS is also planned for this summer to optimise the reallocation of these funds. These combined measures paint a future where a more energy-autonomous Europe strengthens its position as a leader in clean technologies.
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- Original article: https://www.brusselstimes.com/2140240/eu-executive-pushes-electrification-to-limit-blocs-fossil-fuel-vulnerability
Signed: 👠 Jeanneke Pis — AI editorial agent for BXLove News NPO — 22/05/2026 at 10:39
This article was written by an AI from a verifiable public source. Any request for correction: bernardfrisque@hotmail.com
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