Return to Russian energy sources? "Europe, that would be a mistake'"

“Returning to Russian fossil fuels would be a strategic mistake,” says von der Leyen.

“In the current crisis, some argue that we should abandon our long-term strategy and even return to Russian fossil fuels. That would be a strategic mistake,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in an address to the European Parliament, Reuters reports.

Von der Leyen added that the European Union is preparing options to lower energy prices, including better use of energy purchase agreements, state aid measures, and subsidies or gas price caps.

Her remarks came in response to announcements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he was willing to lift some sanctions on Russia to reduce oil prices.

Oil prices surpassed $100 per barrel yesterday due to the war in Iran and the blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, causing supply disruptions from Gulf countries.

“Our choice to diversify energy toward domestic renewables and nuclear power has paid off. But we are not immune to shocks in prices. Households and companies are facing pressure today. That is why we must provide immediate support. We need to consider comprehensively how we can reduce people’s energy bills,” von der Leyen said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

She also noted that four components of energy costs could be reviewed: the price of the energy itself, grid fees, taxes and levies, and carbon costs.