Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced further relief plans for households and businesses in Strasbourg on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for an “all‑encompassing solution” to lower Europe’s soaring energy bills. She insists that the debate must not focus on a single element, but address all four price components that make up an average consumer’s energy bill:
” Energy itself – over “56 %” of the bill
” Network charges – “18 %”
” Taxes and levies – “15 %”
” CO₂ costs – roughly “11 %”
The Commission will prepare a range of measures to reduce the overall cost burden, especially when gas drives electricity prices. Among the options she highlighted are improved use of electricity purchase and difference contracts, state‑aid interventions, and a potential subsidy or cap on gas prices.
On the subject of network charges, von der Leyen sees room to make grids more efficient, thereby cutting waste of renewable generation. She also points out flexibility in member states’ tax and levy structures and in the planned modernization of the EU Emissions Trading System as additional pathways to reduce energy costs for consumers and firms.
