The acceleration of the energy transition, measures for faster licensing of RES projects, reduction of energy taxation and lower tariffs constitute the main priorities of the European Commission in the energy sector, European Commissioner for Energy, Dan Jorgensen, said at the annual Eurelectric conference “Power Summit 2025” taking place in Brussels.
The Commissioner began his speech by summarizing the grim situation created by the “instrumentalization” of energy and its emergence as a “weapon of pressure” by Russia towards Ukraine and Europe, a fact that led on the one hand to the explosion of energy costs and on the other hand revealed the “vulnerability” of European energy security.
Moving forward without Russia
In this direction, the Commissioner welcomed the Commission’s initiative a few days ago to announce the plan for gradual de-reliance on Russian energy resources to zero by 2027, noting that it is already measuring significant results from the outbreak of the war to the present day. Indicatively, imports from the East have decreased considerably compared to the pre-war period.
He also referred to the climate crisis, citing reports with ominous imessages despite measures to address climate change. “The good news is that we already know many of the solutions and we know what to do. We need to develop more RES and energy efficiency faster,” the Commissioner stated, adding that electrification is the “heart” of the solution for energy independence, affordable and sustainable energy.
To emphasize the importance of reducing the use of fossil fuels, especially when they are not domestically produced, the Commissioner underlined that the relevant bill for Europe amounted to 400 billion euros two years ago. In this light and indirectly responding to the “scepticism” about the energy transition, the Commissioner defended the EU strategy, stating the need to accelerate the green transition.
