The cost of energy dependence

The EU imports 53% of the energy it consumes, including almost 90% of its crude oil, 66% of its natural gas and 42% of its solid fuels such as coal.In 2013 the bill for external energy amounted to about €400 billion.

Europe is also heavily dependent on one single supplier, namely Russia, responsible for a third of oil imports,39% of gas and 29% of solid fuels. Six EU countries depend on Russia as the supplier for their entire gas imports.

Towards increased energy security

The EU is now seeking to reduce this dependence by diversifying energy sources and suppliers, cutting back on energy consumption, boosting energy production and cooperation between countries and investing in renewables. These initiatives and others have all been outlined in the European energy union strategy presented by the Commission in February 2015.