The European Union is actively outlining how it can reduce its reliance on imported gas from Russia while simultaneously pushing for lower energy consumption across member states. The draft results from the upcoming European summit emphasize the need to promote energy efficiency and to curb overall consumption as a central pillar of the plan, signaling a deliberate shift in energy policy to advance independence from external suppliers.
The interim document aligns with the Repower EU initiative submitted by the European Commission to the Council last week. Its goal is to decrease dependence on Russian gas by a substantial margin within a one-year horizon. The strategy outlines several practical avenues—diversifying energy suppliers, expanding renewable resources, and accelerating the deployment of green hydrogen—to strengthen energy security while supporting a cleaner energy mix for homes and industries alike.
The Council of Europe also reinforces the push for greater energy efficiency and broader savings, reinforcing a target set by the Community Manager to cut energy use in the EU by at least five percent in line with guidance from the International Energy Agency. These targets reflect a broader consensus that efficiency gains are a critical, immediate lever in reducing vulnerability to energy price spikes and supply disruptions.
In presenting the Repower EU plan, Frans Timmermans, vice-president of the European Commission for the Green Deal, described a future where heating and cooling temperatures remain a matter of personal choice rather than a rigid EU rule. He noted that temperature preferences vary widely across climates and cultures—from the cooler expectations in Estonia to warmer tolerances in Spain—and that the EU must respect these differences while promoting sensible energy use.
Timmermans emphasized that decisions on these matters will be left to households and businesses, not dictated from Brussels. He highlighted that adjustments can be made quickly and simply: lowering indoor heat slightly in winter can yield meaningful energy savings, while avoiding prolonged use of air conditioning in summer can likewise reduce demand. The remarks underscored the importance of consumer agency in achieving energy goals, a stance that resonates across member states with diverse needs and habits. [Source: European Commission]
Beyond efficiency, the final draft of the summit also calls for a proactive approach to gas procurement. It suggests encouraging citizens and market actors to start using the joint gas purchasing platform before the coming winter and to lock in reservations as soon as possible. The aim is to create a more predictable and resilient gas market, ensuring stable supplies and better price discipline for households and industries alike. [Source: European Commission]
The Twenty-Seven leaders are urged to accelerate the rollout of energy projects and streamline permitting processes for renewable capacity. An industrial cluster is proposed to bolster innovation, enhance skills, and strengthen supply chains for hydrogen, solar, wind, heat pumps, and critical raw materials. This cluster would serve as a hub to mobilize investment, coordinate cross-border projects, and accelerate the transition to a decarbonized energy system that can weather price volatility and geopolitical tensions. [Source: European Commission]
The draft also emphasizes targeted investments in infrastructure, interconnections, and renewable generation capacity, coupled with continued efforts to optimize the functioning of the European electricity market. The objective is to ensure a stable and predictable framework capable of withstanding future price fluctuations while supporting a faster, more reliable transition to a decarbonized energy system. The plan stresses collaboration among member states to harmonize rules, share best practices, and align investments with an ambitious climate objective and energy security needs.