STRASBOURG — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of a "digital iron curtain" descending across Russia and called for greater coordination on energy and procurement in a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. She said the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine may echo for months or even years to come.

Von der Leyen said the Kremlin is restricting the internet and free communication as a response to sanctions. "So much so that Russians feel that they live behind an iron curtain again; this time a digital iron curtain. But, hon members, if history has one lesson, it's that all walls eventually fall," she said.

She called for more coordination on common procurement and on fuel reserves, especially jet fuel and diesel, where markets are tightening. She said the European Union needs to protect consumers and businesses while targeting only the most vulnerable households and industries.

Von der Leyen said that previously too much money had been spent on untargeted interventions and that this needs to change. She said the EU needs to reduce energy demand by modernising systemic energy use with grid reforms and by switching to electricity in transport, industry, and heating.