EU leaders urge energy relief and stronger fuel supply measures
The European Commission faces calls for temporary support for households and businesses, alongside work on refineries and possible joint purchasing.
EU leaders urged the European Commission to draw up temporary, targeted relief for households and businesses struggling with rising energy bills. Their demands at a European Council summit included prolonging financial assistance for the industries most exposed to higher costs.
The leaders also sought action on supply security, calling for more efficient European oil refineries and greater refining capacity after a decline dating to 2009. They want to examine whether countries could purchase energy together voluntarily, following the model of the Commission platform created to replace Russian gas after Moscow invaded Ukraine.
National finances are also under pressure. Italy and Greece have requested scope for extra expenditure without infringement proceedings, arguing that the energy shock presents exceptional circumstances. In May, the Commission permitted direct financial assistance for severely affected energy-intensive activities, including farming, heavy manufacturing and haulage.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called for an immediate EU response, saying short-term measures were needed to make energy affordable for people and companies.
The International Energy Agency warned on 14 October that diesel supply would remain tight well into 2027, with European wholesale prices potentially rising again over the following weeks. Prices had eased from September records exceeding US$200 a barrel, but diesel benchmarks were still nearly twice crude oil prices and pre-crisis levels, the agency said.
Separately, leaders supported a Commission proposal for a one-year postponement of methane reporting and monitoring obligations affecting oil and gas importers. European Parliament approval is still required.
