European Energy Security Strategy

Laws and Policies

CCLW

CCLW national policies

Law passed

<div>The Commission adopted the Energy Security Strategy in response to the political crisis in Ukraine and the overall importance of a stable and abundant supply of energy.<br>&nbsp;The strategy seeks to respond to the high dependence on energy imports (53% total energy consumed imported, including 88% of crude oil, 66% of natural gas, 42% of solid fuels such as coal, 95% of uranium).<br>&nbsp;In the short-term, the strategy proposes launching energy security stress tests to simulate disruptions in the gas supply for the coming winter. Other emergency plans and back-up mechanisms may include:</div><ul><li>Increasing gas stocks</li><li>Developing emergency infrastructure such as reverse flows</li><li>Reducing short-term energy demand</li><li>Switching to alternative fuels</li><li>Developing new solidarity mechanisms with international partners</li></ul><div>&nbsp;In addition, the strategy addresses medium and long-term security of supply. It proposes actions in five main areas, with the first two particularly relevant to energy efficiency:</div><ul><li>Increasing energy efficiency (especially in the buildings and industry sectors) to reach the 2030 energy and climate goals; demand management through information and transparency (clear billing information, smart energy meters)</li><li>Completing the internal energy market and developing missing infrastructure links to quickly respond to supply disruptions</li><li>Increasing energy production in the EU and diversifying supplier countries and routes</li><li>Speaking with one voice in external energy policy, use the information exchange mechanism with the Commission about planned agreements with third countries which may affect security of supply</li><li>Strengthening emergency and solidarity mechanisms and protecting critical infrastructure</li></ul>