European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen outlined the key energy and geopolitical measures expected to dominate the informal European Council meeting in Cyprus next week, as leaders prepare to address the economic fallout from the Middle East crisis.

The meeting, scheduled for April 23 and 24, 2026, will be hosted by president Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia and Ayia Napa, bringing together EU heads of state and government at a critical moment for the bloc.

Von der Leyen said the conflict has already had a severe impact on the European economy, particularly through rising energy costs.

“For 44 days now, once again the Middle East has been engulfed in war, and these past six weeks have reminded us that peace cannot be taken for granted,” she said earlier this week.

She mentioned that although a fragile ceasefire had briefly emerged, uncertainty remains as negotiations have stalled.

“A ceasefire has been announced, you all witnessed that,” she said, while expressing concern over developments on the ground.

She stressed that any future agreement must address Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme and ensure the restoration of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

“The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is greatly damaging, and the restoration of the freedom of navigation is of paramount importance for us,” she said.

Von der Leyen also warned that continued strikes on Lebanon risk undermining diplomatic progress.

“You cannot have stability in the Middle East or the Gulf while Lebanon is in flames,” she said.

Against this backdrop, EU leaders meeting in Cyprus will focus on coordinated responses to high energy prices and broader geopolitical risks.

Von der Leyen revealed that the crisis has already cost the EU more than €22 billion in additional fossil fuel imports within just 44 days.

“Forty-four days, €22 billion, not a single molecule of energy in addition,” she said.

“This shows the enormous impact this crisis has on our economy,” she added.

Additionally, she warned that even if hostilities cease immediately, energy supply disruptions from the Gulf are expected to persist.

Ahead of the Cyprus meeting, the commission will present a set of proposals aimed at strengthening EU energy coordination and crisis response mechanisms.

“Unity is our strength,” she said, highlighting lessons learned from the 2022 energy crisis.

These measures will include improved coordination of gas storage, joint purchasing efforts, and the management of oil stock releases to avoid internal competition among member states.

At the same time, the commission will propose targeted and temporary support for households and businesses affected by high energy prices.

“The measures should be targeted to vulnerable groups, timely and temporary,” she said.

Von der Leyen also confirmed that discussions are underway on more flexible state aid rules, with the aim of adopting a new temporary state aid framework within April.

Another key focus will be reducing energy demand through efficiency measures such as building renovation and industrial upgrades.

“The least expensive energy is of course the energy we do not use,” she said.

Looking beyond immediate measures, EU leaders in Cyprus will also consider longer-term structural reforms to lower energy costs.

Von der Leyen emphasised that Europe’s overdependence on fossil fuels remains a central vulnerability exposed by the crisis.

“We are paying a very high price for our overdependency on fossil fuels,” she said.

She highlighted that renewables and nuclear energy now account for over 70 per cent of EU electricity generation, but warned that further investment and integration are needed.

What is more, the commission is expected to push for faster approval of its electricity grids package and an upcoming electrification strategy, aimed at boosting energy independence.

“Electrifying Europe means making Europe more independent,” she said.

Investment will also be a central theme, with von der Leyen urging member states to make better use of EU funds and calling for increased private capital through a planned investment conference.

Beyond energy, the Cyprus meeting will also address the EU’s broader geopolitical response, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and the bloc’s preparedness for security challenges.

Leaders will additionally discuss the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, with the aim of advancing negotiations later this year.

The gathering will conclude with a meeting between EU leaders and regional partners to exchange views on the Middle East and explore avenues for cooperation.