The goal of the new Commission is to lower its prices energy in Europe, which are higher compared to the rest of the world, as stated by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyenin a press conference he gave today with the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, about support for Ukraine’s energy security in the coming winter.

During a press conference, Mrs. von der Leyen was asked about her letter sent to the Commission by the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakisthrough which a European solution is requested to the distortions of the energy market that lead to large discrepancies in the price of electricity between EU countries.

The president of the Commission replied that, indeed, there are many factors that affect energy prices, such as, for example, the pressure of climate change on our energy systems, as well as the need for better interconnection within the EU and its neighbors.

He noted, however, that Russian attacks in Ukraine do play an important role, but a “small one.”

“Overall we know that in Europe, compared to the rest of the world, we have structurally very high energy prices and a very clear goal of the new Commission – something that is also described in the Draghi report – is to structurally lower energy prices,” said Mr von der Leyen.

According to her, in this direction there is a mix of measures that can be taken, such as energy diversification, huge investments in Renewable Energy Sources. The President of the Commission also underlined the important role of energy saving and energy efficiency. He also mentioned the importance of equipping the market with energy supply because, he said, the EU is very dependent on the world market. “The more we have domestic energy, Renewable Energy Sources, the more independent we are and the lower the prices without a doubt,” he stressed.

Mrs von der Leyen announced today that the EU wants to help Ukraine get through the winter, where 80% of the country’s energy plants have been destroyed. At the same time, the International Energy Agency is sounding the alarm over supply chain difficulties in Ukraine, which is facing its biggest serious challenge this winter since the Russian invasion.

As he announced, the sum of 160 million euros from the proceeds of the frozen Russian assets will be allocated to Ukraine, to cover the urgent humanitarian needs of the country this winter. He added that a fuel power station is being dismantled in Lithuania and will be rebuilt in Ukraine, while at the same time the EU aims to restore 15% of Ukraine’s energy needs.

The President of the Commission announced that tomorrow, Friday, September 20, he will go to Ukraine and meet with the president, Volodymyr Zelensky.