Consequences of Iran war ‘may echo for months or years to come,’ EU chief warns – Europe live
TL;DR
EU chief von der Leyen warns that the consequences of the Iran conflict may last for months or years. She emphasizes the need for ceasefires and reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels.
Key points
- EU chief von der Leyen warns of long-term consequences of Iran conflict
- Ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon are urgently needed
- Europe faces a second energy crisis in four years
- Overdependency on imported fossil fuels makes Europe vulnerable
- Different energy mixes in EU member states complicate solutions
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On the Middle East, von der Leyen says that the EU “want the ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon to hold,” with urgent need to “re-establish peace and stability through diplomatic means.”
But she warns that “the consequences of this conflict may echo for months or even years to come.”
“This is the second energy crisis within four years, and the lesson should be very clear. Our overdependency on imported fossil fuels makes us vulnerable. … We must reduce our overdependency on imported fossil fuels and boost our home-grown, affordable, clean energy supply. From renewables to nuclear, in full respect of technology neutrality.”
Von der Leyen says that “every member state has a different energy mix,” so no blanket EU solution would work.
But she calls for more coordination not just on common procurement, but also on fuel reserves, “especially jet fuel and diesel, where markets are tightening.”
She adds that the EU needs to “protect consumers and businesses,” but targeting “the most vulnerable households and industries only.”
Von der Leyen says that previously too much money was spent on “untargeted” interventions, and this needs to change.
She says the EU needs to “reduce energy demand by modernising systemic energy use,” with grid reforms,
“ Let us use this to make the switch to electricity – not just in transport, but also in industry and heating. This is not only a matter of affordability and competitiveness; this is also a matter of economic security. Thus, speaking of European independence, this is the moment to electrify Europe.”
On the Middle East, von der Leyen says that the EU “want the ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon to hold,” with urgent need to “re-establish peace and stability through diplomatic means.”
But she warns that “the consequences of this conflict may echo for months or even years to come.”
“This is the second energy crisis within four years, and the lesson should be very clear. Our overdependency on imported fossil fuels makes us vulnerable. … We must reduce our overdependency on imported fossil fuels and boost our home-grown, affordable, clean energy supply. From renewables to nuclear, in full respect of technology neutrality.”
Commission president von der Leyen is speaking now and begins with an update on the €90bn loan for Ukraine.
She says the EU always insisted it would deliver the loan “one way or the other,” and it’s now done as Hungary has dropped its veto.
The first tranche of €45bn will be paid out “this quarter,” she says.
“Our message is clear: we will continue our support to the brave Ukrainian people and their armed forces.”
She also repeats that “while Russia doubles down on its aggression, Europe doubles down on our support to Ukraine.”
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is set to brief EU lawmakers on the bloc’s view of the Iran war and the likely impact on the European economies.
European flags outside the European parliament, in Strasbourg, north eastern France. Photograph: Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP/Getty Images
Her assessment will probably strike a tricky balance as she wants to reassure them that everything is in hand, while making it also clear that things may get tricky further down the line.
Only last week, the commission talked about a number of measures it had at its disposal to soften the blow, and sought to assure Europeans that their holidays are not (yet) at risk.
I will bring you all the key lines from her speech here.
Later today, von der Leyen will welcome Hungary’s incoming prime minister Péter Magyar as he continues his bid to get a political agreement with the EU on accelerated reforms in key areas in exchange for unfreezing billions of euros in EU funds.
Magyar, who will only formally take the job on 9 May, is a man in hurry as the future of some €10bn of EU funds need to be decided before August. It’s going to be a busy summer in Budapest. If you’re a Tisza MP, I wouldn’t book your holidays.
It’s Wednesday, 29 April 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
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Q&A
What did EU chief von der Leyen say about the Iran conflict?
Von der Leyen warned that the consequences of the Iran conflict may echo for months or years, highlighting the urgent need for ceasefires.
How does the Iran conflict impact Europe's energy dependency?
The conflict has led to a second energy crisis in four years, underscoring Europe's vulnerability due to overdependency on imported fossil fuels.
What solutions did von der Leyen propose for Europe's energy issues?
She called for boosting home-grown, affordable, clean energy supplies, including renewables and nuclear energy, while respecting technology neutrality.
Why is a blanket EU energy solution not feasible according to von der Leyen?
Von der Leyen stated that every EU member state has a different energy mix, making a one-size-fits-all solution impractical.
