Top Brussels official urges Europeans to work from home and drive less

politico.eu • March 31, 2026 • general

Key Points:

The European Commission has urged citizens to work from home, reduce driving and flying, and for EU countries to accelerate renewable energy deployment amid a prolonged energy crisis linked to the Gulf conflict.
EU energy chief Dan Jørgensen highlighted the severity of the situation, warning that even if peace is restored soon, normal energy conditions will not return in the foreseeable future.
The Commission recommended measures such as lowering highway speed limits, promoting public transport, car sharing, and efficient driving to conserve oil, especially diesel and jet fuel.
EU ministers held talks without concrete proposals but plan to announce a package of EU-level measures soon, focusing on energy security through renewables, nuclear power, and biofuels.
The energy crisis has been exacerbated by attacks on Iran, causing oil and gas prices to surge by up to 70%, threatening global economic stability similar to the coronavirus pandemic.

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