Published on •Updated
Despite reducing its fossil fuel imports since the invasion of Ukraine, the EU still heavily relies on foreign reserves. According to Eurostat, in 2023, the bloc’s energy dependency rate reached 58%, meaning that imports accounted for more than half of the EU’s energy needs.
While import reliance varies across member states, 65% of the EU’s overall energy imports in 2023 were oil and petroleum, 25% were natural gas, 5% were solid fossil fuels, and only 2% were renewables.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East shows that energy independence is out of reach. Higher fossil fuel prices highlight how relying on foreign energy hurts the European economy, weakens the single market, and makes the EU more vulnerable to global tensions.
The EU’s 2025 Grids Package aims to address these problems. By building a connected energy network across borders, the plan hopes to create a single EU energy market, cut down on imports, and help 450,000 Europeans avoid a new energy shortage.
The EU Commission is preparing more steps in response to events in the Middle East. The next major opportunity for leaders to discuss these issues will be at the European Grids Summit in April 2026.
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