EU Urges Remote Work and Reduced Driving to Address Energy Crisis and Inflation
The European Union called on its citizens to work from home and drive less on March 31, 2026, as part of efforts to address a prolonged energy crisis and rising inflation. The call was issued alongside warnings from the European Commissioner for Energy for member states to implement immediate measures and strengthen long-term energy independence.
Commissioner's Directive to Member States
The European Commissioner for Energy urged EU member states to take short-term measures in response to the crisis, according to reporting by Politico Europe. The commissioner also pressed states to develop long-term strategies to strengthen their energy independence.
Inflation Context
The EU's appeal follows data showing energy costs are driving significant inflation. Eurostat announced a rise in inflation, which Euobserver reported was pushed to its steepest monthly increase since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 by oil and gas prices.