Brussels wants to halt refinery closures

The European Commission emphasized the need to halt refinery closures in the EU and urged companies to increase production capacity while committing to decarbonization. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen highlighted the importance of ensuring accessible fuel supplies amid rising prices. He noted that about a quarter of EU refineries have closed in the past 20 years, reducing refining capacity by approximately 10%. The Commission aims to engage in dialogue with refineries to enhance production and develop a roadmap for their transformation towards renewable fuels. Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stressed the necessity of conventional fossil fuels for military readiness, advocating for adequate refining capabilities despite the EU's long-term emission reduction goals.