Opening remarks by Commissioner Jørgensen at the press conference concluding the Informal Energy Council

Thank you, Minister, for hosting these important discussions here in Dublin.
And thank you for your putting energy affordability and security at the top of the agenda.

Months after the start of the conflict in Iran, it is clear that we are still facing an energy price crisis in Europe.
We see little progress around the Strait of Hormuz, global geopolitics remain extremely turbulent and, as a consequence, prices remain highly volatile.

Since the start of the war, the EU has already paid more than 100 billion euro extra for fossil fuel imports without a single extra molecule of energy received. 
A stark example of how dangerous and expensive it is to be dependent on imported fossil fuels.
 
As regards our winter preparedness, we see no immediate risks when it comes to energy supplies in Europe – we have done and are doing a lot of work to ensure that. By working closely with our Member States and the sector.

Still, when you have plenty of European citizens struggling with their bills and workers driving to work every day who pay such high prices at the tank station – then to me it's pretty clear that we are not in a good position.

This is why we need to act. All together. As a Union.
Because this level of prices must not become the new normal.  

Addressing high energy prices is a top priority for the Member States, for me, for the Commission.
And we are committed to address this situation with an open mind, pragmatism and flexibility.