Cyprus urges EU Unity on Energy Crisis

The Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marilena Raouna, participated in the Plenary Session of the European Parliament in Brussels on 25-26 March 2026, representing the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in a debate on the need for energy security, independence and supply in the current geopolitical context, while ensuring market stability and affordable energy for industry and citizens.

In her speech, the Deputy Minister referred to the discussions held during the latest European Council summit on the effects of the situation in Iran and the Gulf, as well as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, on global energy markets and the EU’s competitiveness.

The Deputy Minister pointed out that the situation had already contributed to significant increases in oil and gas prices, and that while there was currently no immediate threat to the EU’s energy supply, the situation remained volatile and required preparedness for the eventuality that the situation could deteriorate further.

“There is no simple solution or quick fix to address these price spikes”, she stressed, underscoring the importance of member states remaining united, as demonstrated during the 2022 energy crisis.

The Deputy Minister referred to the short-term, targeted, temporary and financially and fiscally sustainable measures being explored by the European Commission and EU member states to alleviate pressure on households and industry. Ms Raouna pointed out that ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions are not the way to go, highlighting the fact that different member states have different energy mixes.

Stressing the need for coordination and solidarity at EU level, the Deputy Minister also called for the continued implementation of the Commission’s Affordable Energy Action Plan and reaffirmed the EU’s long-term commitment to electrification and decarbonisation as the best guarantees for moving towards energy independence and resilience against future shocks.

Addressing the ongoing discussions on the EU’s energy market framework, the Deputy Minister reaffirmed the Council’s support for the Emissions Trading System and the electricity market design, recognising the role of these instruments in driving progress towards the green transition, and emphasising that we must ensure that the pathway remains ambitious and achievable.

Drawing attention to the fact that European industry and households are under immense pressure, the Deputy Minister pointed out that the conflict in the Middle East has shown the need for targeted short-term solutions to address price volatility, while preserving predictability and a level playing field.

In this context, she recalled the agreement to review the Emissions Trading System by July 2026 at the latest.

The Deputy Minister also underlined the role of the upcoming European Grids Package in reducing dependency on fossil fuel imports, strengthening energy infrastructure and enhancing market integration across the EU. She noted that the Cyprus Presidency is prioritising work on this file, with the aim of reaching a General Approach by June and enabling the early start of tripartite negotiations with the European Parliament.

In her closing remarks, the Deputy Minister responded to comments on the ETS, stressing that competitiveness and the green transition are not mutually opposing objectives, but that they are in fact mutually reinforcing.

On the margins of the Plenary, the Deputy Minister signed, on behalf of the Council of the EU, a series of legal acts adopted by the co-legislators. She also held a meeting with Mr Pedro Lourtie, Head of Cabinet of the President of the European Council.

Photos

See photos from the event on the Cyprus Presidency's Flickr account.