the European Union continues to diversify its energy suppliers as it accelerates toward a greener, more secure future. gas imports from sources outside russia have risen by 31 bcm since the start of the year, helping to compensate for the cuts imposed by the russian giant gazprom. yet the clearest path to ending dependence on russian fossil fuels and resisting political pressure lies in speeding up the transition to green energy and building resilience in the electricity system, according to european commission president ursula von der leyen, who outlined emergency measures and a reform plan for the electricity market aimed at stabilizing prices amid the gas price crisis.
electricity market design is under review. officials say the current system, conceived for different conditions, struggles to cope with current shocks. the commission is pursuing an emergency response plus structural reforms to restore balance and ensure reliable, affordable power. a market model that actually works is the goal, with details still being deliberated and a clear timetable not yet set. the emphasis remains on delivering a robust framework that can handle price volatility and support consumers and industry alike.
the czech presidency of the EU seeks a timely session of energy ministers to discuss next steps. a call was issued for an extraordinary meeting in brussels on september 9 to address the energy market crisis. officials stress that finding an EU-wide solution is essential, as the 27 member states face a common challenge: stabilizing gas and electricity prices and securing a steady energy supply for households and businesses alike.
the european commission’s leadership does not pin down exact measures or deadlines, reinforcing the push to accelerate the transition to green energy sources.
pressure continues to mount. several member states have supported reform proposals in recent weeks, while others such as belgium have urged swift action on the eu-wide implementation of the iberian exception. this would allow spain and portugal to cap gas costs for electricity generation temporarily, a measure seen as a way to reduce bills in the near term. energy minister tinne van der straeten warned that radical action at the european level is necessary to curb gas prices and protect consumers in the coming winters.
in addition to diversifying fossil fuel suppliers, von der leyen argues that moving faster toward green energy is part of the solution. each kilowatt-hour produced from solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal sources, or green hydrogen reduces reliance on russian gas. even today, renewable energy sources like solar and wind are more affordable than burning fossil fuels, and expanding offshore wind capacity is a key part of this strategy.
raw materials
the transition beyond energy highlights a broader structural shift that will raise demand for essential raw materials like lithium for batteries, silicon for chips, and rare earth elements used in magnets for electric vehicles and wind turbines. demand could grow substantially by 2030, with europe aiming to satisfy growing needs while reducing exposure to supply disruptions. projections show a notable rise in lithium battery demand from 2020 to 2025, underscoring the importance of secure, diversified sources.
the good news is that progress is being made toward the european green deal, but reliance on a single supplier remains a risk. today, a significant portion of critical raw materials is sourced predominantly from one region. this reality underscores the push to diversify supply chains and strengthen alliances with partner nations that share values and a commitment to open, rules-based trade. the broader message is clear: energy independence and economic sovereignty go hand in hand, and dependence on external players carries political and strategic costs. the lesson is universal—stability in energy and materials markets requires resilience, responsible governance, and robust international cooperation.