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Von der Leyen says EU electrification target must rise, Iran sanctions 'too early' to lift

newsApr 27, 20261343

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged the European Union to raise its current 25 percent electrification target, saying the goal is insufficient given Europe’s energy and climate challenges. She said "it’s too early" to lift EU sanctions on Iran and insisted the bloc must see "a fundamental change in Iran" before considering relief. Von der Leyen said Europe paid an additional $32 billion for oil and gas because of the Iran war, citing higher energy costs as a reason to keep pressure on Tehran and accelerate clean alternatives. Raising the electrification target would force faster deployment of electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and cleaner fuels while maintaining sanctions aims to protect energy security and price stability.

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