The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has announced an Action Plan for electrification, including clear targets, with the aim of reducing Europe’s exposure to fluctuations in fossil fuel prices. This initiative was presented at the 2026 European Clean Tech Conference, highlighting the urgency of the situation. According to von der Leyen, as quoted by the European Commission, the situation in the Middle East is causing global shockwaves, and although Europe is less exposed than before, it is not “immune”.
Why is electrification key to Europe’s energy security?
Von der Leyen established a direct link between increased electrification – that is, the shift from fossil fuels to electricity for transport and heating, among other things – and energy security. She stated that Europe would remain vulnerable as long as it depends on oil and gas. This transition is already underway, as evidenced by the 51% increase in electric vehicle purchases since the start of the war. The President also stressed the need to develop and manufacture clean technologies in Europe, citing existing capabilities such as offshore wind and electrolysers, and pointing out that two-thirds of European heat pumps are manufactured within the EU.
How the EU supports clean technology made in Europe
To achieve these objectives, the EU has implemented concrete measures. The Industrial Accelerator Act aims to simplify regulations, fast-track permits, and ensure that foreign investments bring real added value to Europe. In addition, “Made in EU” and low-carbon criteria are being introduced for public procurement, thereby directing spending towards European industry. The Emissions Trading System (ETS) is also a pillar of this strategy, having generated over €260 billion and led to a 39% reduction in emissions in the covered sectors since 2005, while the economy has grown by 71%. Von der Leyen mentioned that 100% of the ETS revenues at the EU level are reinvested in clean innovation, but that this is not the case at the national level. A reform of the ETS is planned for this summer to focus the reinvestment of revenues on European companies.
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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 ASBL — 22/05/2026 at 10:42
This article was written by an AI from a verifiable public source. Any requests for correction: bernardfrisque@hotmail.com
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