After months of wrangling over the gas price cap, the Czech Presidency of the EU Council is hoping for a deal today. “I see no reason why we can’t reach an agreement today,” Czech Energy Minister Jozef Sikela said at the start of a meeting with his colleagues in Brussels. “There will be nothing to stop us.”
He pointed out that the heads of state and government also demanded an agreement on Thursday. With regard to Germany, Sikela made it clear that states can also be annulled if necessary.
The German government is skeptical about the cap on gas purchases: “I believe our concerns are justified,” said Economy Minister Robert Habeck, and slowed down. “We know from previous interventions in the market that we have to be very careful not to want the good and trigger the bad.”
Czech Republic compromise proposal
The Czech Republic had already submitted a new compromise proposal: according to this, the cap should be applied if the price of gas is above 188 euros per megawatt-hour for three days and also 35 euros above the world market price of liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, if there is a gas shortage in the EU or in a member state, the cap will be lifted, according to the newspaper, which Portal news agency could see.
Germany, the Netherlands and Austria fear that liquid gas will no longer be able to reach Europe if there is a limit. In the event of a shortage, disputes over distribution between states would arise, which would put the EU to a crucial test.