Roof on energy prices, ahead with the analysis work and the feasibility study at European level. The heads of state and government gathered in Brussels for the summit of the European Council have decided to continue exploring the possibility of mechanisms that can put a stop to expensive prices, inserting a specific passage in the draft conclusions of the summit. “In light of Russia’s use of gas as a weapon, the European Council invites the Commission to continue its efforts, with a view to ensuring the supply of energy at affordable prices”.
This is the passage so dear to Italy in particular, which in recent days of approaching the summit has worked to ensure that the reference is included in the final declarations. This does not mean that the EU will equip itself with tools that can immediately calm the bills, but the desire to try to find a solution is put on paper.
The work is technical and legal in nature, and will take some time. The Community executive will have to examine the possibility of achieving a decoupling of gas prices from those of energy, and therefore make a distinction between the two markets. There are countries that, despite having recognized the Italian concerns and accepted to insert the passage on the so-called “price cap” for gas arriving via pipelines, fear that this could pose further problems. For this it will be necessary to work meticulously. From a legal point of view, there is in the background the risk of having to reconsider the directive on the internal market, a legislative process which, although it may be prioritized, will in any case require timing that is certainly not short-lived.
However, Italy manages to convey the sense of urgency of an issue considered as anything but secondary. The partners wanted to underline how Russia is exploiting food. This is where the tricolor activity has entered, which has pushed to have this blackmail use recognized not only for food but also for energy. Exactly what is now included in the conclusions of the leaders’ summit.
Energy and price increases will be central themes of the leaders’ summit scheduled for October (20-21 October), but much will depend on how the situation progresses. It is not excluded that leaders may find themselves for an extraordinary summit should the situation deteriorate. In the meantime, Italy will continue to ask the Commission to work on what is a measure of fundamental importance for the Draghi government.