The European Commission unveiled its AccelerateEU emergency plan on Wednesday, April 22, to mitigate the energy crisis triggered by the war in Iran. The initiative aims to avert a kerosene shortage following the Strait of Hormuz blockade. It offers recommendations and measures to EU member states and industry.
The war in Iran, which began on February 28, and the Strait of Hormuz blockade have driven up gas and oil prices across the European Union. The 27 member states are struggling to curb these surges, as kerosene stocks fall and gas supplies grow uncertain.
On Wednesday, April 22, the European Commission introduced AccelerateEU, a set of recommendations and measures—some concrete—for member states and industry. Brussels acknowledges its limited direct tools to address the crisis, which could evolve into a social one.
The plan aims to cushion the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict. It comes after two months of strain, amid ongoing fears of broader disruptions.