The European Commission on Monday proposed a three-month extension to key provisions that allow member states to continue offering limited aid aimed at offsetting high energy costs. This extension would push the expiry date to March 31, maintaining the existing Crisis Temporary Framework in place while giving governments more time to support households and businesses through the depth of winter.
The proposal from Brussels aims to keep this flexibility available for a further period, ensuring EU economies can respond if the crisis lingers and that companies facing continued pressure do not face an abrupt loss of support during the next winter season.
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The draft Commission package sent to member states this week does not change the other components of the Interim Crisis and Transitional Framework. It keeps the existing structure intact while extending the life of the most urgent measures only through March 31 next year.
Those other crisis-related aspects, including liquidity support, state guarantees, subsidized loans, and measures aimed at reducing electricity demand, will not be extended beyond the current expiry at the end of December this year. In contrast, policies designed to accelerate the green transition and lessen reliance on imported fuels remain unaffected and will continue under the current framework until December 31, 2025.
By design, member states now have room to respond with limited changes to the Crisis and Interim Framework in the coming weeks, taking into account policy feedback from capitals. This approach keeps the door open for targeted adjustments while preserving the overall structure and goals of the framework during the next heating season.