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European Energy Statistics

According to a Eurostat report on September 21st 2006, the total amount of energy required to meet the demand of the EU25 in 2005 was 1.637 billion tonnes of oil equivalent. However, EU25 production of all sources of energy fell by 4.2% in 2005, resulting in an increase in net imports of 4.5%. As a consequence, the EU25 depended on imports for 56% of its energy needs. Energy imports were dominated by oil and gas, accounting for around 60% and 25% respectively of the EU25's net imports. Net imports of crude oil and oil products to the EU25 rose by 2.9% in 2005 compared to 2004, while net imports of gas rose by 9.2%.

Between 1995 and 2004 energy consumption in the EU25 rose by 11%, production fell by 2%, and net imports rose by 29%. In 1995 the energy dependence rate stood at 44%.  In 2005, that dependence rate had risen to 56% and is increasing rapidly on an annual basis.

Exposure Caused by Dependency

It is abundantly clear from these statistics that, as the world’s biggest importer, Europe is dangerously dependent on oil and gas imported from outside the bloc.  This dependency poses serious risks for Europe’s future at a fundamental level both in terms of the effects of climate change caused by Co2 emissions and the threat to its economic and physical security. Nonetheless, Europeans can turn this threat into an historic opportunity to lead the world in energy innovation, promote greater global stability and ensure an economically and environmentally secure future for their children