Position Papers

The war in the Middle East has triggered another energy shock, with consumers having to pay the price (yet) again.

Since the 2022 energy crisis, the EU has sought to strengthen the resilience of its energy markets, notably by reinforcing consumer protections and diversifying its fossil fuel supply sources.

Despite these efforts, the EU remains highly exposed to external geopolitical shocks and is not yet fully prepared to absorb a crisis of this magnitude.

As prices for consumer goods continue to rise (and are expected to increase further still), BEUC has identified measures that policymakers, regulators and traders should implement in both the short and long term.

In this paper, BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation, has identified measures that policy makers, regulators and traders need to implement, both in the short and long term, to alleviate the financial burden of consumers during this crisis but also to better protect them against future fossil fuel price shocks.

EU energy and climate legislation sets the pace for decarbonising our economy. Some of these laws contain EU targets. The governance law helps Member States deliver these targets and defines reporting obligations. This should result in consumers benefitting from lower bills, a better quality of life, and a future for our planet. Practically this means more renewable energy, less imports of volatile fossil fuels, continuous efforts to use energy more efficiently, the availability of sustainable products that can be recognised via clear labels, a variety of green mobility choices, and a future where healthy and sustainable foods are accessible and affordable.