The European Commission presented the AccelerateEU plan on 22 April 2026. It is a strategy designed to tackle rising energy prices and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In recent months, costs have increased significantly due to international tensions, especially the conflict in the Middle East, which has made energy markets more unstable. In the first months of 2026, the European Union spent €24 billion more on oil and gas. This clearly shows how fragile the current system is. Already in 2025, total spending on fossil fuel imports had reached €340 billion, while 57% of the EU’s energy consumption came from abroad, increasing both economic and political vulnerability.
More coordination between countries
One of the main goals of the plan is to improve cooperation between Member States. This will help manage resources more effectively and prevent energy crises. The European Union aims to better coordinate gas and oil reserves, including the possibility of emergency releases if needed. In addition, a fuel monitoring system will be introduced to track supply, distribution, and refining capacity. This will allow faster responses to problems and ensure greater stability during difficult periods.
Support for households and businesses
The plan also includes concrete measures to support citizens and businesses affected by rising prices. These actions will be temporary and targeted to avoid long-term negative effects. Proposed solutions include direct financial support, such as energy vouchers and income support, as well as the option for governments to reduce certain electricity taxes. Special attention will be given to vulnerable households and energy-intensive companies, which are the most exposed to rising costs and economic pressure.
More clean energy produced in Europe
A central element of AccelerateEU is increasing the production of clean energy within the European Union. The goal is to reduce imports and strengthen energy independence. The plan includes investments in renewable energy, nuclear power, and sustainable biofuels, along with greater electrification across sectors. Measures such as improving building insulation, installing heat pumps, and replacing inefficient appliances can reduce energy consumption and lower bills. On average, these changes could lead to savings of up to 25% for households.
Stronger and more modern energy networks
To improve efficiency, the plan also focuses on upgrading energy infrastructure. Electricity grids need to be modernized to better manage production and distribution, especially from renewable sources. The European Union wants to speed up the construction of new infrastructure and simplify approval procedures for energy projects. At the same time, it aims to expand energy storage systems, such as batteries and thermal solutions, which allow energy to be stored and used when needed.
More investment for the transition
Another key aspect is the funding needed to support the energy transition. The EU plans to mobilize both public funds and private investment, creating the right conditions to attract capital and support new projects. Events and initiatives will connect investors and companies, with the goal of accelerating the development of clean technologies. In addition, efforts will be made to use existing EU resources more efficiently, making the process faster and more effective.
A step toward energy independence
AccelerateEU builds on the path already started with the REPowerEU plan, introduced after the 2022 energy crisis. Today, more than 70% of European electricity already comes from renewable and nuclear sources, but the Commission stresses that more needs to be done, and faster. The new plan is therefore both a response to the current crisis and a strategy for the future, aiming to ensure safer energy, more stable prices, and a more sustainable system for all European citizens.
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Link: AccelerateEU to strengthen EU energy resilience – Energy
