Von der Leyen raises idea of EU strategic gas reserves
The idea is intended to address longer-term supply risks as low storage levels raise concerns about Europe's winter gas supplies.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has asked EU leaders to consider creating strategic gas reserves across the bloc, according to three diplomats and two EU officials. She raised the idea at a summit in Brussels on 15 October 2026 amid fears of a winter shortage.
Diplomatic officials said the shape of any reserve remained unclear. A senior EU official characterised it as a longer-term safeguard against supply disruptions, comparable to arrangements countries already have for oil and refined products.
Gas storage levels are at record lows this year. High summer prices associated with the war in Iran reduced the commercial incentive to replenish stocks, leaving Europe less prepared for winter.
Some governments have responded by moving beyond reliance on commercial purchases. The Netherlands has spent almost €1 billion subsidising energy purchases, while Germany is examining whether to establish a strategic stockpile of its own.
Separately, two diplomats said EU leaders gave a lukewarm reception at the summit to a Commission proposal for a bloc-wide joint energy purchasing mechanism.
