Consequences of Iran war ‘may echo for months or years to come,’ EU chief warns – Europe live | European Union
Von der Leyen says the EU must reduce its over-reliance on imported fossil fuels and focus on clean energy supply
Regarding the Middle East, Von der Leyen said the EU “wants the ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon to continue” “Reestablishing peace and stability through diplomatic means” is an urgent need.
However He warns that “the consequences of this conflict could reverberate for months or even years.”
“This is the second energy crisis in four years and the lesson should be clear. Our over-reliance on imported fossil fuels makes us vulnerable. … We must reduce our over-reliance on imported fossil fuels and Increase our supply of self-generated, affordable, clean energy. “From renewable energy to nuclear, with full respect for technology neutrality.”
important events
Germany arrests man suspected of spying for Russia
A Kazakh man has been arrested in Germany for allegedly spying for Russia, which included passing details about Germany’s military infrastructure and support for Ukraine to Moscow.
Federal Prosecutor’s Office in question man identified only as Sergei K.especially meI am interested in the German arms and defense industry, including companies developing drones and robots, and He gave clues about “suitable targets for sabotage in Germany” He offers to find accomplices to help him achieve them.
He will appear in court later today.
Von der Leyen says EU needs to coordinate more on fuel reserves and focus on electrifying Europe
Von der Leyen “Each member state has a different energy mix,” so no blanket EU solution will work, he says.
But he He called for greater coordination not only on joint purchasing but also on fuel reserves, “Especially jet fuel and diesel, where markets are shrinking.”
He adds EU needs to “protect consumers and businesses” but targets “only the most vulnerable households and industries.”
Von der Leyen says too much money was previously spent on “untargeted” interventions and this needs to change.
He says the EU should “reduce energy demand by modernizing systemic energy use” through grid reforms.
“Let’s use this to switch to electrification not only in transport, but also in industry and heating. This is not only a matter of affordability and competitiveness, but also of economic security. So, when we talk about the independence of Europe, now is the time to electrify Europe.”
Von der Leyen says the EU must reduce its over-reliance on imported fossil fuels and focus on clean energy supply
Regarding the Middle East, Von der Leyen said the EU “wants the ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon to continue” “Reestablishing peace and stability through diplomatic means” is an urgent need.
However He warns that “the consequences of this conflict could reverberate for months or even years.”
“This is the second energy crisis in four years and the lesson should be clear. Our over-reliance on imported fossil fuels makes us vulnerable. … We must reduce our over-reliance on imported fossil fuels and Increase our supply of self-generated, affordable, clean energy. “From renewable energy to nuclear, with full respect for technology neutrality.”
Von der Leyen: ‘We will continue our support to Ukraine’
commission chairman von der Leyen He’s speaking now, and he starts with an update on the €90 billion loan to Ukraine.
He said the EU had always insisted on granting the loan “one way or another” and that was now complete with Hungary lifting its veto.
The first tranche of 45 billion euros will be paid this quarter he says.
“Our message is clear: We will continue our support for the brave Ukrainian people and their armed forces.”
At the same time, he repeats: “As Russia redoubles its aggression, Europe redoubles its support for Ukraine.”
Morning opening: Iran, Hungary and your holidays
Yakup Krupa
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will brief EU lawmakers on the bloc’s view on the Iran war and its likely impact on European economies.
His assessment is probably striking a difficult balance While he wants to reassure them that everything is under control, he also wants to make it clear that everything is fine May get harder.
Just last week, the commission said: He had a number of measures at his disposal to soften the blow, He tried to reassure Europeans that their holidays were not (yet) at risk.
Here I will tell you all the important lines of his speech.
Later today, Von der Leyen will meet Hungary’s new prime minister, Péter Magyar He is pursuing a bid to reach a political agreement with the EU on accelerating reforms in key areas in return for the release of billions of euros in EU funds.
Hungarian, who He will only officially take office on May 9 He is a man in a hurry, as the future of the €10 billion EU fund must be decided before August. It’s going to be a busy summer in Budapest. If you are Tisza MP, I will not arrange your holiday.
His Wednesday, April 29, 2026his Yakup Krupa here and this Europe Live.
Good morning.
