In this podcast, we look at the potential gains of more European action versus the costs of non-Europe in the area of energy, one of the 50 policy areas investigated in one of the latest studies from EPRS: “Increasing European added value in an age of global challenges: Mapping the cost of non-Europe (2022-2032)”. We analyse how closer EU cooperation in this area could bring substantial economic, social and environmental benefits.

EPRS podcast policy - Mapping the cost of non-Europe: Transformation of EU energy systems

MEPs&nbsp;debate the current energy outlook amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the disruption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The US and Israeli bombings of Iran and Tehran’s attacks on shipping crossing the Strait of Hormuz as well as on energy infrastructure in the Gulf have led to a sharp increase in hydrocarbon prices, highlighting the persistent vulnerabilities within international energy markets.

Against this backdrop, MEPs&nbsp;quiz Council and Commission representatives on possible measures to enhance the EU’s energy security while maintaining market stability and affordability. Parliament is currently working on the grids package legislative proposals aiming to lower electricity prices via boosting grid infrastructure and on an update of the Trans-European networks for Energy (TEN-E) guidelines.

The European Council conclusions of 19 March 2026 underscored the urgency of advancing Europe’s energy transition as the primary strategy for enhancing strategic autonomy, resilience, and long-term affordability.

Energy prices

Transformation process of shale gas, chemical conditions and effects.

Valves of gas supply.

View of the Staudinger black coal power plant,smoking chimney, in Grosskrotzenburg, near Francfurt, Germany.

View of the Staudinger black coal power plant, coal stacks, in Grosskrotzenburg, near Francfurt, Germany.

View of the Staudinger black coal power plant, chimney, in Grosskrotzenburg, near Francfurt, Germany.

View of the Staudinger black coal power plant, worker, in Grosskrotzenburg, near Francfurt, Germany.

Employees walk into the Staudinger black coal power plant in Grosskrotzenburg, near Francfurt, Germany.

This infoclip shows images of extreme weather events like floods, fires, and droughts, alongside efforts to protect the environment, such as ocean plastic collection. It also depicts factory chimneys, cars, and airplanes, before shifting to wind farms, solar panels, and eco-friendly fuels. In the annual State of the Union (SOTEU) debate, the President of the European Commission should address the most pertinent topics, including also building a competitive, resilient agriculture and food system, safeguarding biodiversity, and preparing for a changing climate to secure a sustainable future. © Images of firefighters battling fires and aiding in flood relief efforts are strictly for journalistic purposes. For any other use, please contact the press office of the Spanish Emergency Military Unit (Unidad Militar de Emergencias).

Infoclip: Protection of environment

Hydrogen is expected to play a key role in a future climate-neutral economy, enabling emission-free transport, heating and industrial processes as well as inter-seasonal energy storage. Renewable hydrogen can sustainably contribute to achieving climate neutrality in the EU in the long term. This infoclip illustrates an Hydrogen Hybrid Power Plant in Prenzlau, Brandenburg, the exploitation of Hydrogen trucks in Belgium and hydrogen trains in Germany.

Infoclip: EU new energy strategy - hydrogen

This Infoclip illustrates private electricity production by the means of solar panels installed on the roof, the family produces more than it consumes and has therefore a financial benefit. The clip shows several solar panel installations in the region near Leuven, Belgium.

Infoclip: Renewable energy - Private producers

This infoclip illustrates the use of renewable energy in Europe : photovoltaic installation on a house in Belgium, photovoltaic park in Greece, wind energy park in Belgium, production of biomass in France, biogas production site in Germany and pellet production in Belgium.

energy resources

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