Von der Leyen: “We are paying the price for the lack of an energy union; a plan to revive it”

Brussels – The watchword in the fight against high energy prices is integration. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is trying to close ranks and is calling for a demonstration of shared responsibility. Because, she laments, “not only are we too dependent on foreign fossil fuels, on gas setting the price, but we are also squandering opportunities by not having a true European Energy Union.“ 

As is customary, the European Parliament’s plenary session provides an opportunity to report on the summit of Heads of State and Government, and in this context von der Leyen seeks to call for a change of pace, focusing on legislation and reforms. High energy prices are on the leaders’ agenda because they undermine competitiveness, hampered by the fact that a European Energy Union is still lacking. “This is why the Commission will develop a plan for a true European Energy Union,” she announced. A comprehensive strategy for a major revival, “from grids and interconnector to aggregated market power in purchasing.”

For von der Leyen, there are no real alternatives: “we have to make much better use of the potential that we have.” This approach is shared by the President of the European Council, António Costa: “Immediate measures do not solve the EU’s structural problems,” he is keen to make clear to MEPs from all political groups. On the one hand, he warns, “as long as we remain dependent on imports, we remain exposed” to geopolitical turmoil. On the other hand, he notes, the sustainable transition must continue, building on efforts made so far and going even further: “Nuclear and renewables must be combined with modern grids and electrification.” 

On the energy front, therefore, there is political convergence between the European Commission and the European Council on the need to complete the Energy Union. This task can no longer be postponed. Costa confirmed that, following the one in February 2026, he would convene “a second summit at Alden Biesen in February to review work on competitiveness”, and in this regard, “energy costs are at the heart of these efforts.”