European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Monday that Europe has paid an additional €27 billion (approximately $32 billion) for oil and gas imports since the start of the US and Israel’s war against Iran. Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, von der Leyen said Europe is experiencing its second serious energy crisis in four years, and EU member states must learn from the experience.

Energy vulnerability exposed
“In 2022, Putin cut off our gas supply, and now it’s the Strait of Hormuz,” von der Leyen told reporters. “Our heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels makes us vulnerable. We must reduce this dependence.” The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Iran war has disrupted global energy supplies and driven up prices, hitting energy-importing nations particularly hard.

Call for renewables and nuclear innovation
Von der Leyen urged European countries to expand renewable energy production and explore nuclear innovation, including small modular reactors, to ensure reliable and affordable energy. “Every kilowatt-hour of energy generated here contributes to economic stability, affordable energy, and thus to Europe’s independence,” she said. The call reflects growing urgency within the EU to accelerate the green transition and reduce reliance on volatile external energy sources.