The European Union has spent 27 billion euros ($31.6 billion) more on fossil fuel imports since the start of the Middle East conflict, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday in the French city of Strasbourg, according to media reports.

European Union countries must funnel their energy aid chiefly to vulnerable households and industries, or risk wasting billions of euros as the conflict drives up oil and gas prices, the chief warns.

More than 350 billion euros were spent on untargeted measures, which had a significant impact on member states' finances, she told EU lawmakers in Strasbourg. "So let us not make the same mistake again, and let's focus our support where it matters most."

Von der Leyen noted the impact of the Iran war "may echo for months or even years to come" and that the bloc must now end its reliance on supplies from the outside world, by making better use of "homegrown, affordable, clean energy supply from renewables to nuclear."

She urged EU countries to use more electricity generated by renewable and nuclear sources to power transport and planes, heat homes, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels in industry.

EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen warned last week that the Iran war has not just produced "a short-term, small increase in prices. This is a crisis that is probably as serious as the 1973 and the 2022 crises combined."

He said Europe has been forced onto the defensive and has little control over events.

(With inputs from agencies)