A study by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) warns that EU households could face “devastating” energy bill increases of nearly €1,900 per year due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Since the start of the military escalation in February 2026, oil and gas prices have surged by more than 50%, potentially pushing the average annual household energy expenditure to over €5,600. The ETUC argues that these soaring costs are driving millions of workers into poverty and destroying Europe’s manufacturing base by highlighting a dangerous dependency on volatile fossil fuels. In response, several EU finance ministers are urging the European Commission to implement emergency measures, such as a “solidarity contribution” to mitigate the crisis. However, the Commission remains cautious about suspending fiscal rules, stating that the current situation does not yet meet the threshold of a “severe economic downturn” required for such drastic action.
Date: April 9, 2026. Source: euractiv.com