Europe's Energy Crisis: Lessons Not Learned

Fri Mar 20 2026 00:17:58 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Europe finds itself grappling with yet another energy crisis, recalling past struggles while facing new challenges spurred by global conflicts. Leaders are pushed to find immediate solutions amidst rising energy prices and increasing public discontent.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has reignited Europe's energy crisis, leading to skyrocketing prices and renewed calls for a reassessment of energy security strategies. Despite significant changes in energy sourcing since the invasion of Ukraine, the continent remains reliant on external suppliers, notably the US and Norway. As EU leaders prepare for a summit, concerns mount over the potential fallout from rising costs and the need for cohesive action to avoid political backlash.

The knock-on eﬀects of the conflict now whipping through the Middle East are awakening ghosts of crises past that shook the European Union.

Seven months into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, the President of the European Commission stood at her podium in the European Parliament and accused Russia of manipulating the EU's energy market.

They prefer to flare the gas than to deliver it, proclaimed Ursula von der Leyen, as spiralling energy prices hit consumers across the continent. This market is not functioning anymore.

This is a war on our energy, a war on our economy, a war on our values and a war on our future, she declared, insisting that Europe was already pivoting away from Russian gas toward more dependable partners such as the US and Norway.

But fast forward four years and you find deep energy-linked frustration in the heart of Europe once again.

We swore we'd learn. We promised things would change but here we are, a highly frustrated European diplomat told me. He asked for anonymity so as to be able to speak openly.

The focus of his teeth grinding was Europe's growing energy shock, triggered by the burning conflict in the Middle East and threatening to dominate a summit of European leaders in Brussels on Thursday.

Instead of concentrating on much-needed long-term plans about how to make Europe more competitive in this increasingly volatile world, prime ministers and presidents are now in a panic over energy prices, worried about angry voters and scrambling for short-term solutions.

Just like the crisis after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, different conflict, same European divisions; same dilemmas over energy. We can't keep going round in these circles. Something's got to give.

Many countries felt forced to help consumers and businesses pay their bills as energy prices skyrocketed. Diversification became the buzzword in Brussels corridors with intentions to break free from dependencies.

Fast forward to 2026, and despite a turn towards LNG and efforts to reduce reliance on Russia, the EU's energy challenges remain, with the US now a key supplier, but also introducing vulnerabilities.

The ongoing conflict showcases Europe's dependence on the global energy market and the risks associated, exemplified by rising energy costs exacerbated by geopolitical tensions.

The question remains: Will the current crisis catalyze substantial strategic shifts in Europe's energy policies to ensure long-term security, or will history repeat itself as politics dictate decisions?