Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen, in a written answer on 12 June 2026, defended the EU's clean energy transition as the primary route to energy strategic autonomy, rejecting calls for a more technology-neutral approach that would include shale gas or coal. The answer, addressed to Renew MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk, reaffirms the Commission's commitment to ending Russian fossil fuel dependency through REPowerEU and the AccelerateEU actions, which aim to shield citizens and industries from volatile global markets.
Jørgensen's response comes after Kyuchyuk's question of 8 April 2026, which highlighted overlapping crises—Russia's war in Ukraine, Middle East tensions, and Strait of Hormuz disruptions—as exposing EU vulnerabilities. The MEP had asked whether the Commission would accelerate a comprehensive strategy for energy autonomy, recalibrate the European Green Deal to reflect geopolitical realities, and adopt a more technology-neutral approach including shale gas, nuclear, and temporary coal use.
While the Commissioner did not announce new concrete targets or legislative proposals, he pointed to the upcoming Electrification Action Plan as a vehicle for concrete actions on heating, cooling, and geothermal energy. He reiterated that long-term affordability depends on accelerating the clean transition, and that technology neutrality is guided by market-driven least-cost solutions to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, respecting member states' right to choose their energy mix under Article 194(2) TFEU.
The answer signals the Commission's continued prioritisation of renewable energy and efficiency over fossil fuel or nuclear expansion, despite external pressures. Stakeholder impact: EU clean energy industries stand to benefit from continued policy support, while fossil fuel and nuclear sectors may see limited new opportunities. EU consumers and industries face potential short-term energy price volatility but long-term cost stability from reduced import dependence. National governments retain sovereignty over energy mix choices but within a framework that incentivises renewables.
Institutional follow-up is expected with the Electrification Action Plan, likely in late 2026, which will detail measures to scale up domestic clean energy and efficiency.
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