Commissioner Jørgensen defends ETS as key to energy resilience, cites 11% industry and 5% household cost share

In a written answer on 19 June 2026, Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen defended the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) as a key instrument for reducing Europe's dependency on imported fossil fuels and ensuring long-term price stability, while providing new data on the ETS cost share in electricity prices. The answer, responding to a question from Polish MEP Anna Bryłka (Patriots for Europe), states that the ETS component of the retail electricity price averages around 11% for industry and 5% for households across the EU, making it a smaller component than fuel costs, network charges, or taxes and levies. Jørgensen linked the current energy price pressures to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which have increased gas and electricity wholesale prices. He argued that without the ETS, Europe would consume 100 billion cubic meters more gas, increasing vulnerability. The Commissioner noted that the Commission is working on a toolbox of targeted, temporary measures addressing all components of electricity prices, in line with European Council conclusions. He also pointed to the upcoming comprehensive review of the ETS by July 2026, which aims to strengthen the carbon market and ensure it contributes fairly to the recently agreed 2040 climate target. On 1 April 2026, the Commission had already proposed an amendment to the Market Stability Reserve as a first concrete measure. The answer directs the MEP to Eurostat for detailed Member State electricity price data, but does not provide the requested breakdown of ETS cost shares per country or by household versus other consumers. The reply signals the Commission's continued commitment to using the ETS as a central tool for decarbonisation and energy security, while acknowledging the need for temporary measures to address immediate price pressures. Institutional follow-up is expected with the July 2026 ETS review, which will likely propose further adjustments to the carbon market.

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