The European Union's energy policy has reached a level of ideological self-harm that even its harshest critics could scarcely have imagined.
The global economy continues to runoverwhelminglyon fossil fuels — and, where available, nuclear power. Transportation, heavy industry, heating, consumer products and electricity generation all depend on them.
The European Commission, in a moment of geopolitical stress, finally acknowledged this truth. When tensions rise in critical chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, Brussels joins international calls to keep energy flows open, implicitly conceding that modern civilization cannot function without reliable hydrocarbon supplies.
In March 2026, EU leaders (European Council) explicitlydemandedthe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. They also called for a moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure. Early April 2026, the EUbackeda UK- and France-led coalition (involving more than 40 countries) to secure and reopen the strait. High Representative Kaja Kallasstatedthat restoring "safe, toll-free freedom of navigation" consistent with the Law of the Sea is an "urgent priority," and that the EU supports diplomatic efforts. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in addition, pledged to work with partners to resume navigation "as soon as possible." So far, in mid-April 2026, Von der Leyen has repeatedlyemphasizedthat the ongoing closure is "greatly damaging" for the EU. The bloc has rejected any "toll" or fee system proposed by Iran (or others), and has insisted on unrestricted, toll-free passage under international law. EU officials, including Kallas, have repeatedlyhighlightedthat the strait carries about 20% of global oil and a significant share of liquified natural gas (LNG). She further noted that the closure is "really dangerous for the oil supplies, energy supplies to Asia" (with roughly 85% of the oil/gas through Hormuz going to Asia), and that it affects fertilisers as well.
In short, while the EU's public emphasis is often on "freedom of navigation" and international law (toll-free passage), they clearly connect this to the oil and energy dimension — both for the global economy and for Europe's own exposure to higher prices and supply risks. The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is amajor threatto energy security, not just abstract maritime rights.
Nevertheless, within Europe itself, the same institutions pursue the systematicdismantlingof their own domestic fossil fuel capacities. The Netherlands is proceeding with the finalclosureand capping of wells in the Groningen field — one of Europe's largest gas reserves. Germany has not only accelerated phasing out coal and, as part of the "Energiewende" – "energy turnaround" from fossil fules to renewable enrgy such as such as wind and solar that do not work -- has been deliberatelyfloodingmines. Across the continent, shale gas exploration remains effectivelybannedin most member states. Nuclear capacity has been curtailed in several countries, most notably Belgium, and Germany's abrupt shutdown of its last plants.
The result is not environmental salvation. It is an engineered dependency that can only delight oil-producers such as Russia.
Europe therefore now has toimportthe vast majority of its oil and gas. According to Eurostat and recentanalysesfrom think tanks such as Ember, the EU's fossil fuel import bill, while lower than the 2022 peak of over €600 billion, still stood at approximately €337 billion in 2025 and remains dramatically elevated compared to pre-crisis averages.
Industrial gas and electricity prices in Europe are two to four timeshigherthan those faced by major competitors in the United States or Asia. This is not an accident of the market; it is the direct consequence of policy choices that have eliminated domestic supply options while both domestic and global demand continues unabated.
The economic consequences are already visible -- and severe. Energy-intensive industries — steel, chemicals, fertilizers, glass, and refining — are relocating outside the continent or curtailing production. Competitiveness is eroding. Households face increasingly high energy bills that contribute to widespread energy poverty: official EU figures show that roughly 9-10% of the population, more than 40 million people,struggleto heat their homes.
Source: Gatestone Institute :: Articles
