Portrait

Green potatoes and sneaky push-ups: the EU’s energetic energy commissioner

Podcaster, negotiator, good guy; a one-time nuclear sceptic with an ability to reach across the aisle — observers within and outside the Brussels bubble have plenty to say about Dan Jørgensen, the EU executive’s most senior energy official. Contexte takes a closer look at the commissioner tasked with shepherding one of Europe’s most polluting sectors through a highly consequential transition.
26 August 2025 at 8h00
Energy
by Damien Genicot, Isabelle Smets with Anna Hubert. Adapted from French by Gabriela Galindo

The EU commissioner for energy appears to have no shortage of the stuff.

At the COP26 UN climate summit in 2021, the centre-left politician was caught sneaking in a round of push-ups — which, a former aide said, was a way for him to recharge between negotiating rounds.

Peers describe Dan Jørgensen as a hard-working and pragmatic figure, able to labour around the clock to get things done.

That might be just the right approach for the huge task ahead…

Further reading

Five things the new EU budget would mean for energy and climate Five things the new EU budget would mean for energy and climate
Jérémie Luciani pour Contexte

Five things the new EU budget would mean for energy and climate

The European Commission has finally unveiled its €2-trillion proposal for the 2028-2034 EU budget — and there’s plenty for energy and climate watchers to dig into. With a fivefold boost in cross-border energy infrastructure spending, 35% of funds earmarked for green priorities, and a notable new role for nuclear, Contexte sets out some key points to take away.
Multiannual financial framework (MFF)
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Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
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Competitiveness Fund
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Nuclear power
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Energy networks
How the EU ban on Russian gas imports will work How the EU ban on Russian gas imports will work
In depth

How the EU ban on Russian gas imports will work

The European Commission made a legal proposal on 17 June to ban imports of Russian gas. It contains clear details on timelines and transparency and starts the clock ticking on what Brussels hopes will be an end to Europe’s energy ties with Moscow. Contexte looks at the gory details.
Russian fuels
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Natural gas
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Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
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Fossil fuels
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Energy security
Commissioner Jørgensen promises to simplify EU energy law through sweeping 'omnibus' plan Commissioner Jørgensen promises to simplify EU energy law through sweeping 'omnibus' plan
© jotily/iStock
Scoop

Commissioner Jørgensen promises to simplify EU energy law through sweeping 'omnibus' plan

Brussels will review a swathe of legislation as it seeks to speed up renewable energy permits — an audit extending into sensitive laws designed to protect birds and natural habitats, the European Commission’s top energy official told Contexte. EU energy policy is too often prone to division, but a shifting geopolitical reality should prompt the EU to show unity, Dan Jørgensen said in an interview.
Von der Leyen 2 Commission
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Energy omnibus
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EU-US relations
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Russian fuels

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