Brussels: “Diplomatic battle” for the ceiling on natural gas – How the “opposing camps” are formed

For completion comes the emergency Council of EU Energy Ministers in Brussels, with the member states that insist on imposing a ceiling on the wholesale price of gas now reaching at least 16.

Specifically, according to European sources, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Malta, Croatia, Portugal, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, Romania, Slovakia and Cyprus are in favor of the cap (it declared open under conditions).

In the “opposing camp” are Austria, Hungary, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, while Sweden wants the Iberian model, but for the member states to pay the difference.

Estonia agrees to create a European indicator for transactions, a ceiling on Russian gas and in general with what the EU non-paper says, but states that whatever is done security of supply must not be compromised. Luxembourg wants a platform so that we are not forced to go to a ceiling, while Germany has reservations. Ireland simply raised questions and did not take a position. The Czech Presidency does not take a position, but seems to be in favor.

A political agreement regarding measures to mitigate high electricity prices was reached earlier by the EU energy ministers at the extraordinary Brussels Council. The measures were announced on Twitter by the Czech presidency in the midst of unprecedented inflationary pressures.

The measures are as follows (details here):

• Mandatory reduction in electricity demand
• Cap on market revenue from low-cost power producers and
• Solidarity contribution from fossil fuel producers.

The Minister of Environment and Energy expressed his optimism that “Europe will support and ensure social cohesion in the face of Russia’s military and energy adventurism”, Kostas Skrekasattending the extraordinary council of competent ministers in Brussels.

“Last March, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a letter to President Ursula von der Leyen, requesting the imposition of a cap on natural gas. Today, 15 member states support the Greek proposal, the proposal of the Greek Prime Minister, and ask the European Commission to present bold and decisive proposals”, stressed Mr. Skrekas.

In particular, he said: “Today’s Council of Ministers of Energy is taking place at a particularly critical time, as the energy issue is intensifying in Europe, in view of the upcoming difficult winter, which fills households and businesses with anxiety. Last March, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a letter to President von der Leyen, requesting the imposition of a cap on natural gas. Today 15 member states support the Greek proposal, the proposal of the Greek Prime Minister and ask the European Commission to present bold and decisive proposals. I am optimistic that Europe will support and ensure social cohesion in the face of Russia’s military and energy adventurism. However, it is a supreme issue of humanitarian and democratic values ​​that we all move forward together.”

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