🇪🇺 Ursula von der Leyen
Von der Leyen turns to Europes refineries as shrinking capacity raises energy security concerns
What happened
European refineries have been closing or reducing capacity since 2009, resulting in a 20% reduction in refining capacity and increased reliance on imports of finished fuels. The EU has become increasingly reliant on imports from regions with different regulatory, environmental, and geopolitical conditions. European refineries convert crude oil into refined products such as diesel or jet fuel.
Why it matters
The decline in refining capacity raises energy security concerns, as the EU may struggle to secure reliable energy supplies, particularly in the face of global conflicts and rising energy prices. The EU's ability to refine oil is of "significant strategic relevance" and is essential for meeting the unique demands of each fuel.
Key facts
- 20% reduction in refining capacity since 2009
- 167.6 million tonnes less of primary refining capacity in 2025 compared to 2009
- The EU-27 accounted for 567.4 million tonnes of refining capacity in 2025
- Germany remains the biggest refining centre in Europe with 98.7 million tonnes of capacity
Topics
Publisher evidence used
Reporting attributed to euronews.com. WorldLeadersNews links readers to the publisher and does not present a headline-only item as a full article analysis.
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