Von der Leyen calls for stronger interconnections and modernised grids to complete the Energy Union, lower prices and boost Europe’s economic resilience.
Von der Leyen links Energy Union to competitiveness and price stability
It is time for the Energy Union to tighten its framework. Increasing interconnections between member states and upgrading existing national grids is one of the imperatives of the energy transition and, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reminded the European Parliament, it is also the most direct way to tackle high energy prices and strengthen economic resilience.
“Completing our Single Market also means completing our Energy Union. This step is vital to further reduce prices, which remain too high and too volatile. And we know the reason: the lack of interconnections and adequate grids, combined with our dependence on fossil fuels,” Von der Leyen said during her speech on competitiveness.
Clean energy remains central despite shifting political narrative
Competitiveness has increasingly replaced the major themes of the European Green Deal in public discourse. Strengthening climate policy no longer appears as urgent on the EU agenda, while industrial strength and competitive capacity have become the main benchmarks of prosperity and security.
However, in the energy sector at least, the tool to achieve these goals has not changed. Whether the objective is decarbonisation or enhanced competitiveness, clean energy remains indispensable, and market data confirms this.
“The figures speak for themselves,” Von der Leyen continued. “In 2025, electricity produced from gas cost on average more than €100 per megawatt hour. The price of solar energy? €34. Nuclear energy? Between €50 and €60 per megawatt hour. These figures are clear. Low-carbon energies are not only produced domestically and clean: they guarantee greater independence, greater security and lower costs.”
Renewables overtook fossil fuels in 2025
According to the Commission President, 2025 marked a historic milestone. For the first time, solar and wind generated more electricity in the EU than all fossil fuels combined. Including other renewable sources, the sector accounted for 47.7% of electricity generation across the 27 member states.
“That is why we are now investing massively in low-carbon energy,” she added. “However, more is needed. To lower and stabilise costs, we require the infrastructure for a genuine Energy Union.”
European Grids package and Bornholm Energy Island
To accelerate progress, the Commission introduced the European Grids package, designed to speed up permitting procedures and prioritise the construction of what Von der Leyen described as “Energy Highways” across the Union.
Last month, an agreement was reached on the first project of this kind: the Bornholm Energy Island. The initiative will create a new link between Denmark and Germany, connecting both countries to 3 GW of offshore wind capacity. The project aims to transform Baltic wind resources from a national asset into shared European energy.
“The goal is simple,” Von der Leyen concluded. “Clean energy must flow freely across our Union.”
