Europe is set for a difficult winter in 2026–2027 due to high energy prices and its reliance on imports. Even under normal winter conditions, nearly 50 million Europeans struggle to pay their heating bills, forcing them to choose between keeping their homes warm and meeting other basic needs. This was stated by Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, in an interview with the Hungarian publication 444, published on 24 October.
- European Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has warned that Europe is facing a difficult winter in 2026–2027.
- Even in a normal winter, nearly 50 million Europeans struggle to pay their heating bills.
- The EU’s dependence on imported energy sources makes it vulnerable to global price fluctuations.
- The European Commission is considering measures to reduce households’ energy costs.
Millions of Europeans are forced to choose between food and heating
According to Jorgensen’s, the issue of access to heating in Europe remains a pressing one, even in the absence of extreme weather conditions.
«In Europe, during a typical winter, nearly 50 million people struggle to pay their heating bills. If someone cannot afford to pay for heating, they are effectively forced to choose between food and warmth. This is unacceptable,» the European Commissioner emphasised.
He acknowledged that, in recent years, European politicians had not taken the issue of access to housing and utilities seriously enough.
Why the winter of 2026–2027 could be challenging
Jørgensen explained that Europe remains vulnerable due to its dependence on oil and gas imports. The situation is complicated by the instability of the global energy market and the risk of further price rises.
The European Commissioner noted that demand for fuel would rise in winter, regardless of how severe the cold spell might be.
At the same time, he emphasised that high prices are causing serious difficulties not only for the general public but also for European businesses.
How the European Union plans to reduce energy costs
The European Commission is working on measures designed to make energy more affordable for consumers.
Among the long-term solutions, Jorgensen cited the development of renewable and nuclear energy, the electrification of the economy and the modernisation of the electricity grid.
To reduce costs more quickly, he suggested making greater use of electric heat pumps instead of gas and oil-fired boilers.
According to the European Commissioner’s estimate, reducing electricity taxes in EU countries could cut consumers’ bills by approximately 14%.
Jørgensen also confirmed that the European Union has no plans to lift the ban on imports of Russian energy resources, which is due to come into force in 2027, even if the war in Ukraine were to end.
