As of: 03/25/2022 21:16
Two days were discussed at the EU summit in Brussels. The discussion on measures to counteract high energy prices was particularly lively. Chancellor Scholz rejected the joint gas purchase – he is following different paths.
After hours of arguing over how to deal with high energy prices, the EU summit in Brussels is over. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his colleagues discussed the countermeasures for about nine hours on the second day of the summit meeting.
“It’s good we took the time to discuss it,” Scholz later said. It was said in diplomatic circles that everyone agreed that one should become independent of Russia in energy matters.
Germany and the Netherlands agree
However, despite lengthy discussions, there was no major breakthrough. Instead, the European Commission should now come up with proposals on how to deal with high energy prices. The Joint Final Declaration now states that EU countries and the Commission should discuss with the energy sector whether and how, inter alia, price caps or tax breaks can contribute to lowering the price of gas and combating its ‘contagion effect’ on electricity markets.
Germany is skeptical about the price caps, Scholz said. They were supported by countries such as Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal. In addition to Germany, the Dutch government also spoke out against this instrument. For example, there is a concern that suppliers might sell electricity elsewhere if the prices set were too low.
Less energy supplies from Russia in the future
Michael Grytz, ARD Brussels, Daily Topics 10pm on March 25, 2022
“Package demand”
Scholz called on Europe to join forces in purchasing gas. One possibility is voluntary cooperation when purchasing gas. He noted, however, that many private companies make purchases in the EU and will continue to do so.
“I am pleased that we will use our collective negotiating power,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission after the summit. “Instead of breaking through each other and raising prices, we’re going to combine our demand.” In the case of pipeline gas, the EU represents around 75%. market. “We have enormous purchasing power,” said von der Leyen.
Scholz: The contracts provide for payment in euros
According to Scholz, Russia’s energy dependence will end sooner than expected. “It will be much faster than some might wish,” he said after the EU summit. He did not mention the year.
When asked about Russia’s demands to pay for future energy imports in rubles, Scholz pointed to existing contracts. This often includes a commitment to the euro as a means of payment. The background to this is the announcement by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he will sell oil and gas only for rubles.