Commission launches High-Level Dialogue with the European refining sector

The meeting was chaired by Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, and Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space. Participants included representatives from the oil refining sector, European refiners, emerging fuel producers, engineering companies, technology providers, relevant industry associations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Today’s discussion addressed the short-term response to the ongoing disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East as well as the medium-term outlook for the competitiveness and transformation of European refineries. Discussions focused on how to optimise existing European refining capacity, strengthen the resilience of fuel supply chains and ensure sufficient production capacity to respond to increased demand, including in times of crisis and for defence purposes. Participants exchanged views on the main pressures facing the sector, including high energy costs, global competition and investment needs on the pathway towards sustainable biofuels and e-fuels. The Commission underlined the importance of a coordinated approach to support the transformation of the refining industry, while safeguarding jobs, industrial competitiveness and the EU’s strategic interests. Attention was paid to preserving Europe's strategic fuel production capabilities in the longer-term, while supporting investment in alternative fuels and ensuring that the sector can continue to meet the EU's energy security and defence readiness needs.

Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, said:

“Today’s dialogue has been very fruitful, but it has been a first step. We will work to increase outputs from refining assets in Europe, because ultimately, we need to bring fuel prices down. But the work does not stop in the “here and now” of the crisis. Crises are also opportunities. We need to create an environment that supports sufficient domestic fuel production in Europe as well as long-term viability of European refining as the EU decarbonises. This is why, together with the sector, we will work on a joint roadmap on its transformation and contribution to the EU’s security objectives and in line with our climate ambition”

Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space, said:

“I am always quoting a very famous American historical figure, General John Pershing, who was leading American troops on the European continent during the First World War, who said very simple truth: the battles are won by infantries, the wars are won by logistics. And fuel supplies are the biggest part of what we can call logistics. Proper fuel supplies to our militaries are crucial in our defence readiness. So definitely it is an obvious truth that defence without fuel is impossible.”

Background

Oil refining is a strategic asset for Europe's energy security, industrial competitiveness and defence readiness. EU refineries supply about 70% of jet fuel and 85% of diesel consumed in Europe. More than 90% of transport depend on oil, globally. Diesel and jet fuel are essential for mobility, the economy and defence.

The Dialogue on European refineries was announced by President von der Leyen on 6 October. Today’s meeting marks the start of a broader engagement process. The outcomes will help identify shared priorities and possible actions to support the sector’s clean energy transition and long-term viability in Europe, while strengthening the resilience of Europe's fuel supply chains and ensuring the availability of strategic fuels for civilian and defence needs.

Related links

• Press remarks by Commissioner Jørgensen following the Dialogue with European refineries
• European refining
• Audiovisual Service - Participation of Andrius Kubilius, and Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioners, in the dialogue on EU refineries