The heads of state and government of the European Union (EU) delivered an ultimatum to energy ministers on Thursday. so they close next monday agreement to set a ceiling on gas import price a temporary mechanism in times of crisis, the agreement of which also depends on unlocking the initiative for joint gas purchases from the EU.
The European Council adopted a mandate urging EU energy owners to reach an agreement on Monday to end the cap on gas prices in the European market after their latest attempt at an extraordinary meeting this Tuesday failed. Although technical differences persist that hinder any attempt to approach positions, heads of state discussion “Must end on Monday”A clear reference to the term that Charles Michel, President of the European Council, considers unique in the results of such summits.
The activation price is now the main hurdle that divides Twenty-seven into two blocks, led by Spain, which has rejected a high price threshold, and led by Germany and the Netherlands, which are concerned about jeopardizing its security. supply if the cap is lowered too much and suppliers migrate to other, more attractive markets.
In Spain’s eyes, the final bid, which sets the ceiling at 200 euros per megawatt hour (MWh), remains to be determined. “extremely high” and an unaffordable price and insists on introducing a dynamic reference that allows to stop prices from rising in the European market, which clashes with the reservations of the Germans and Dutch that they will have to close the gaps in the next four days. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, at the press conference held at the end of the summit, said, “I am sure we will find a good result at the ministerial meeting on Monday,” and emphasized that he is “optimistic” and that “important and important developments are taking place”. Progress in the EU’s response to higher energy prices”. However, Scholz recalled fears about the impact of the mechanism on security of supply or the stability of markets, and argued that the cap should be “as high as I hope it will never be”.
The countries are also calling for the finalization of two other regulations, which the majority agree on, but which have been suspended because a group of countries, including Spain, refused to give the green light until the redress mechanism is resolved. Leaders refer to the norm of “developing solidarity through better solidarity”. coordination of gas purchasesin particular through the EU Energy Platform, cross-border gas exchanges and reliable price criteria” and the regulation establishing a framework for this speed up distribution renewable energy. They also called for a “rapid” end to the debate on the European renewable energy directive, which the Commission promises to present before the end of the year, which will determine what types of resources are green in Europe.
Head of Government Pedro Sánchez confirmed that the measure is “closer than ever” and suggested that if achieved at the 19th European Energy Ministers’ meeting, it would be a “political success” for his Executive. For being the first to bring to Brussels the need to handle joint gas purchases or intervene in the electricity market. “A few weeks ago it was unimaginable to imagine a cap on gas prices, but now we are closer than ever after talks,” the chief executive said at a press conference after his summit with his European counterparts. said. .
French President Emmanuel Macron, meanwhile, welcomed the agreement on the political leadership and urged energy ministers to “finish” the cap on gas prices, which he sees as “mandatory to be ratified before the end of the year”.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who completed the six-month term EU Presidency this December, argued: Negotiations were “too long” due to the “very technical” nature of the mechanism this is being negotiated, but he stressed that “everyone is aware of the deadline and is ready to commit”.