EU Unveils Plans To Tackle Energy Crisis Amid Mid-East War

The European Union has unveiled a package of measures aimed at mitigating the energy crisis exacerbated by the war in the Middle East, with particular focus on jet fuel supplies as Europe braces for the summer travel season. The European Commission outlined a series of recommendations and initiatives described as a “toolbox” to help member states manage both immediate pressures and longer-term challenges.

A central element of the plan is the establishment of a “fuel observatory” to monitor EU production, imports, exports, and stock levels of transport fuels. While officials have said there is currently no evidence of actual shortages, attention will initially be directed at aviation fuels. The commission will work with member states, fuel suppliers, airports, and airlines to source alternative jet fuel supplies and optimise distribution across the bloc.

About 20 percent of the jet fuel consumed in the EU is imported via the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed due to the conflict. Next month, the EU will issue guidance on “flexibilities” permitted under existing rules governing airport slot handling and anti-tankering provisions—limits on how much fuel aircraft can carry on departure—as well as public service obligations. EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said Brussels is also considering increasing jet fuel imports from the United States and requiring member states to maintain minimum reserves.

Beyond aviation, the commission will coordinate gas storage filling to avoid price spikes and assess the need for potential oil stock releases. It suggested that countries fill gas storage to 80 percent of capacity rather than the usual 90 percent, with the possibility of lowering the threshold to 75 percent if required. Since the start of US and Israeli strikes against Iran, the EU has spent an additional €24 billion ($28.2 billion) on energy imports due to higher prices, according to Brussels.

For fertilisers, whose prices have also surged, the EU will present an action plan in May to diversify supplies and support European production.

The commission will adopt a temporary state aid framework to give member states more flexibility to support the most exposed sectors, including heavy industry, agriculture, and fishing. It will also share best practices across the bloc to reduce energy consumption and accelerate the uptake of renewables, such as incentives for heat pumps and solar energy. By summer, an “electrification action plan” will be presented, setting new electrification targets to speed the shift toward homegrown clean energy.

The commission also plans to propose a review of production criteria for renewable hydrogen to accelerate development of hydrogen-based alternative fuels such as Sustainable Aviation electro-Fuels (eSAF).