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Russian news websites are spreading information claiming that the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated that Europe found itself in a critical situation due to the rejection of Russian energy resources, and its economy became uncompetitive.
However, this is a manipulation. Von der Leyen did not speak of a “critical situation” or a desire to return to Russian energy. On the contrary, she noted that dependence on Russian energy made the EU vulnerable.
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On January 21, 2025, Ursula von der Leyen spoke at the World Economic Forum, where she highlighted the EU’s strengths and weaknesses and the measures being taken to address challenges. Von der Leyen reported that the EU has the second-largest economy in the world, high life expectancy, and high social and environmental standards. At the same time, the President of the European Commission noted that the world is changing, and to sustain economic growth, the EU must change its approach in some areas.
She specifically focused on the issue of energy. Von der Leyen stated that for the past 25 years, Europe relied on cheap energy from Russia, which made it vulnerable.
Ursula von der Leyen pointed out that before the full-scale invasion, 45% of the EU’s gas and 50% of its coal came from Russia, and Russia was one of the largest oil suppliers for the Union. However, after February 2022, the EU significantly reduced its dependence on Russian fossil fuels, and Putin cut off gas supplies. The politician noted that currently, the EU has reduced Russian gas imports by 75%, covers only 3% of its needs with Russian oil, and has completely stopped receiving coal from Russia.
The President of the European Commission did state that this freedom came at a high cost for Europe. She added that households and businesses faced “sky-high prices” for electricity, and the EU’s competitiveness depends on a return to low and stable energy prices. At the same time, von der Leyen did not say that Europe found itself in a critical situation or wishes to return to Russian energy. Quite the opposite — she noted that although Russian energy was cheap, it made the EU vulnerable to blackmail.
The politician called for further strengthening of the EU’s energy independence. She proposed continuing the transition to green energy, particularly by increasing the share of renewable energy sources.
Earlier, we refuted a fake claiming that von der Leyen said the EU is forced to buy Russian oil so that Putin does not sell it at a higher price elsewhere.
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