The European Commission has unveiled its new “AccelerateEU” strategy, which sets out a range of proposed measures to tackle rising energy costs and reduce the EU’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
A central long-term element of the plan is the Commission’s intention to introduce an Electrification Action Plan, including an “ambitious electrification target.” This will be complemented by initiatives aimed at removing regulatory and structural barriers to electrifying key sectors such as industry, transport, and buildings.
The Commission stated that the strategy is designed to provide a policy toolbox that delivers immediate relief to households and businesses facing higher energy prices and supply disruptions linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. It also seeks to speed up the shift toward domestically produced clean energy, thereby lowering long-term reliance on imported fossil fuels. The EU has already incurred an additional €24 billion in energy import costs, the Commission noted.
In the near term, proposed actions include temporary consumer and industry support measures such as targeted income assistance, energy vouchers, and social leasing schemes, as well as reductions in electricity excise duties for vulnerable households. The plan also emphasizes coordinated action among Member States on gas storage levels, oil stock releases, national emergency responses, and securing adequate supplies of jet fuel and diesel.
Over the longer term, structural reforms will focus on electrification through expanded investments in grid infrastructure, including advancement of the European Grids Package proposed in December 2025 to improve cross-border and cross-sector energy system planning.
Additionally, the Commission plans to stimulate private sector participation in the energy transition by convening a “Clean Energy Investment Summit.” This forum will bring together institutional investors, industrial players, project developers, and public financiers to accelerate investment in technologies such as batteries, charging infrastructure, and broader electrification solutions.
