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On 22 April 2026, the European Commission published its Action Plan AccelerateEU – Energy Union: Affordable and Secure Energy through Accelerated Action in response to an earlier appeal by Member States for an “energy toolbox” to address the ongoing crisis energy crisis driven by geopolitical tensions and rising global prices. Rather than proposing extensive legislative measures, the Communication instead centres around coordination, guidance, and targeted support. It reflects the Commission’s view that foreseeably, the challenge lies less in immediate energy supply shortages than in sustained price pressures with wider macroeconomic effects.

The Plan aims to stabilise conditions in the immediate term while preparing for enduring structural reform. At its core lies strengthened coordination at EU level, including enhanced collaboration amongst Member States on gas storage, the possible mobilisation of strategic oil reserves, and joint engagement with energy suppliers, i.e. collective bargaining. Additionally, a Fuel Observatory will be established to monitor transport fuel stock levels across the Union, with particular attention to aviation fuels alongside an appraisal of Europe’s refining capacities.

Member States retain considerable latitude in their domestic responses. National governments are encouraged to introduce targeted, temporary measures to ease energy costs, provided these preserve the Single market and fair competition. This may encompass fiscal tools, including windfall profit levies, which the action plan acknowledges as falling within national competence. At EU level, the next key step is a legislative proposal on energy taxation and network charges, expected in May 2026, seeking to structurally lower electricity costs, improve grids usage efficiency, and incentivise Member States to grant industry a more favourable taxation relative to fossil fuels.

Beyond the immediate, the Communication positions electrification as the principal pathway to mitigate reliance on fossil fuels and exposure to price volatility. The forthcoming Electrification Action Plan, expected in June, is set to establish clear targets and address sectoral barriers, notably within transport and logistics. The Commission also advocates the bolstering of domestic energy production, including sustainable biofuels, a better use of existing refining capacity, and the faster deployment of sustainable aviation and maritime fuels. A review of renewable hydrogen production criteria is likewise scheduled for Q2 2026 to foster the development of synthetic fuels.

Delivering these objectives will require significant investment, linked to broader initiatives such as the EU Grids Package and cross-border energy highways, intended to improve system integration and reduce structural costs over time.

From the perspective of CLECAT, the Commission’s approach is pragmatic, with a welcome emphasis on coordination and flexibility. However, as implementation will depend largely on national measures and forthcoming legislation, several aspects remain uncertain.