Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen has declined to reactivate the EU energy crisis contribution, a windfall levy on energy companies applied during the 2022 crisis, but left the door open for its reintroduction if the situation deteriorates. The answer, given on 26 June 2026, responds to a written question from MEP Fabio De Masi (NI), who asked whether the Commission would revive the measure amid rising oil and gas prices following the US-Israel attack on Iran.
Jørgensen's reply emphasises that Europe's energy supply remains stable despite global market volatility, and that the Commission has upgraded monitoring tools, revised the state aid framework, and strengthened coordination through dedicated energy groups. He notes that gas storage filling is progressing and that Member States have been invited to use available flexibilities to reach sufficient levels before winter. The Commissioner points to the AccelerateEU communication of 22 April 2026, which outlines short- and long-term measures to shield citizens and industry from price shocks while accelerating the shift to clean energy through electrification, efficiency, and renewables. However, AccelerateEU does not include reactivation of the emergency intervention under Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854. Jørgensen states that the Commission stands ready to propose prompt reactivation if the situation requires it.
The answer signals a cautious, wait-and-see approach, prioritising existing tools and structural measures over emergency levies. For EU consumers and energy-intensive industries, this means no immediate relief from potential price spikes, but the Commission argues that supply stability and accelerated clean energy investments offer longer-term protection. Energy companies, which would have been subject to the crisis contribution, benefit from its non-reactivation for now. The Commission's stance reflects a preference for market-based and structural solutions over ad hoc fiscal interventions, while keeping the option open as a contingency. Institutional follow-up is likely to focus on monitoring market developments and implementing AccelerateEU measures, with possible legislative proposals if prices escalate further.