Europe is on the verge of “the most serious energy crisis in history.” These have been the words with which the Energy Commissioner of the European Union, Dan Jorgensen, has referred to the closest and not at all hopeful scenario that is presented to Europe if the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz persists.
The European Union works on the different scenarios that may occur. For the moment, Jorgensen has not expressed immediate hydrocarbon supply problems in the member countries of the bloc, but has warned that “it may occur” and that Brussels is preparing for a possible deterioration of the situation.
The beginning of this conflict that has caused the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to an unprecedented crisis that tests, according to the commissioner, “the resilience of our economies, our societies and our alliances.”
An additional expenditure of more than 30,000 million euros
Jorgensen has pointed out that this scenario of dependence on fossil fuels represents a strategic vulnerability for the bloc. Since the start of the conflict, Member States have had to allocate more than 30 billion additional euros to these energy imports.
Regarding the role of member countries, he insisted that, in the short term, the EU must “manage risks, guarantee security of supply and protect citizens.”
“It is too early to say exactly when we will be able to return to a normal situation”
The commissioner has defended that monitoring of this situation is constant, but that it is still “too early to say exactly when we will be able to return to a normal situation.”
Even in the best possible scenario, the current situation appears serious due to the impact on key energy infrastructures.
