The EU Commission should take more decisive measures to tackle high energy prices, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob said in a debate at the European Parliament on Tuesday (13 December).
Golob’s participation in the plenary debate follows a recent decision of the European Parliament to invite member states’ prime ministers or presidents to debate the current situation of the EU and their country’s priorities.
“It is clear to everyone that dependence on a single energy source led to Russian gas being used as a weapon,” Golob said, highlighting that this week is key for energy action.
On Tuesday is an extraordinary Council meeting dedicated to energy, and on Thursday (15 December), the European Council will take place, where energy will be among the top priorities discussed among the head of state.
According to the Slovenian prime minister, member states managed to secure sufficient energy with reduced demand, the opening of pipelines, and new sources.
However, he believes that this is “not enough to reign in energy prices”.
Regulatory measures are needed for the bloc, Golob urged, expressing disappointment for the measures proposed by the EU Commission so far, particularly on the gas price cap.
“I cannot say that I am happy with what the Commission has come up with. It will not work. It’s not enough. We will need to be more decisive to reduce the volatility in the markets,” he said.
Golob hopes energy ministers gathering on Tuesday can come to a common decision on how to show unity “not to the population but to the markets”.
EU energy ministers are discussing a proposal for a Council regulation on a temporary gas market correction mechanism.
Brussels kicks gas price cap proposal down the road amid growing frustration in EU capitals
A potential EU-wide cap on gas prices remains in the balance with the European Commission yet to present a legislative proposal needed for its creation while countries remain split on the issue ahead of a meeting next week where ministers were expected to adopt it.
“We need to implement regulatory changes in the market mechanisms because the internal energy market at the moment […] is not working,” Golob said.
According to him, the green transition is the only path to energy independence.
“If we combine the wind potential of the north with the solar potential of the south and add hydro to the mix, we will succeed,” he said.
[Edited by Nathalie Weatherald/Alice Taylor]
Source: euractiv.com
