Rapidly rising energy prices around Europe have created nervousness among both consumers, companies and politicians.

The energy situation will be the main issue at next week's EU summit in Brussels, and the European Commission is already presenting a "toolbox" of what can be done.

"As we now rise from the pandemic and begin our economic recovery, it is important to protect vulnerable consumers and support European companies," said Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson in a press release.

Grants and taxes

The measures presented are above all a list of what the Member States can do immediately, without any lengthy negotiations or decisions at EU level.

Mention is made here, among other things, of the possibility of providing direct income support to individual consumers, either through support checks or partially paid bills or of introducing temporary and targeted tax relief for vulnerable households.

Companies and industries can receive state support and "safety nets" can be introduced to avoid disconnecting households.

In the slightly longer term, the European Commission also promises to investigate how member states can procure gas together and whether it is possible to develop a common gas storage.

In addition, more and larger investments in renewable energy and to ensure that energy is used more efficiently are encouraged.

No winter crisis?

From Brussels, there is strong pressure that the high energy prices are mainly due to rising demand and the price of natural gas, rather than the EU's emissions trading or various EU measures against climate change.

They also try to calm those who fear a looming gas crisis when the cold comes.

- At present, there is no risk that there is not enough gas this winter, the EU representatives behind the toolbox claim in a review before the journalist corps in Brussels.