Dimitris Tsiodras has called on the EU to give member states the necessary flexibility, as proposed by the Greek government, to implement immediate support measures for households and businesses. He made the call in a question to the European Commission.
Referring to the recent summit, he asks the Commission what form the measures requested by the European Council to lower energy prices will take, and how soon they will be presented, given the critical nature of the situation.
The MEP and spokesperson for New Democracy’s delegation in the European Parliament recalls that, at its October summit, the European Council acknowledged that “the current situation urgently requires a coordinated European response with targeted and temporary measures, taking into account the specific circumstances of member states and safeguarding the single market”.
He notes that the surge in energy prices, driven by geopolitical tensions and disruptions to international supply chains, is placing a heavy burden on European households and businesses, raising the cost of living and undermining the competitiveness of the European economy.
Dimitris Tsiodras concludes by stressing the need for further action by the Commission to improve energy interconnections.
The text of the question follows:
Question for written answer to the Commission
Subject: Tackling rising energy costs and the need for flexibility for member states
The surge in energy prices, driven by geopolitical tensions and disruptions to international supply chains, is placing a heavy burden on European households and businesses, raising the cost of living and undermining the competitiveness of the European economy.
At its October summit, the European Council acknowledged that “the current situation urgently requires a coordinated European response with targeted and temporary measures, taking into account the specific circumstances of member states and safeguarding the single market”.
In light of the above and following the conclusions of the summit, the Commission is asked:
- What form will measures to bring energy prices down immediately take, and how soon will they be presented, given the critical nature of the situation?
- Does it intend to give member states the necessary flexibility, as proposed by the Greek government, to introduce targeted and temporary support measures immediately for households and businesses?
- What further initiatives is it considering to improve energy interconnections?