1 year after the publication of the EU’s Action Plan for Affordable Energy, the issues linked to high and volatile energy prices have not disappeared, influenced by external factors including global supply patterns, weather anomalies affecting wind and hydro generation, and cold winter spells.Yet progress has been made.The Action Plan tackles short-, medium-, and long-term aspects of energy costs, including⚡reliance on fossil fuels⚡market inefficiencies⚡gaps in electricity system integrationIt combines rapid-impact measures, such as reducing electricity taxes and protecting vulnerable households, with structural reforms to modernise Europe’s energy system, including grids, interconnectors, renewables, and improved governance.