European Council agrees on measures to tackle the energy crisis
On the first day of its meeting, Thursday 20 October, the European Council agreed on measures to mitigate the energy crisis. The EU leaders reaffirmed that, in the face of Russia’s weaponisation of energy, the European Union would remain united in supporting its citizens and businesses.
The European Council agreed that the Union would accelerate and ramp up efforts to reduce demand, ensure security of supply and lower energy prices for households and businesses. The EU leaders called for urgent decisions on the following measures:
• Joint purchasing of gas in order to fill storage and ensure security of supply across Europe
• Temporary measures to manage gas prices
• Energy solidarity arrangements between Member States in case of gas supply disruptions
• Efforts to reduce energy consumption
“Today’s discussion was not easy, because each Member State is dealing with a different energy situation. However, we managed to take important steps towards common solutions,” said Prime Minister Sanna Marin.
“By promoting joint gas purchases and temporary price mitigation mechanisms and by reducing energy consumption, we can work towards ensuring the availability of affordable energy across Europe. Along with these measures, it is now essential to invest heavily in the green transition so we will be more energy self-sufficient in the coming winters,” Prime Minister Marin continued.
The European Council also discussed the impact of the energy crisis on the economy. The aim is to protect households and businesses in a way that ensures a level playing field and global competitiveness while preserving the integrity of the single market. It is also important to improve resilience.
The European Council will continue on Friday, when the topics on the agenda will include Ukraine and external relations.
Inquiries: Jari Luoto, Director General, EU Affairs Department, tel. +358 50 468 5949, Saara Pokki, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 50 478 6363 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office