The proposals from the European Commission are now on the table on how to deal with the sharply growing energy prices.
- Putin is trying to divide us and we have to show him that we are stronger than that.
When we stand together, there is nothing we can't handle, says Climate Vice President Frans Timmermans at a press conference in Strasbourg.
As expected, common measures to reduce energy consumption in Europe and a revenue cap for the energy companies that are currently earning extra because of the high gas price are proposed, among other things.
- In times like this, it is wrong to make extraordinary record profits thanks to war and at the expense of consumers.
In times like this, the gains must be shared and channeled to those who need it most, says Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as she gives an indication of the measures during her State of the Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
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The Commission wants to set a limit of 180 euros per megawatt hour.
Everything above what the non-gas companies earn, instead, the Commission wants the EU countries to be able to distribute to vulnerable consumers and households.
In addition, the countries are urged to make solidarity agreements between themselves to share, in cases where, for example, one country collects more money for the measure than another.
Breathtaking EUR 140 billion, the commission base hopes that the measure will be able to provide in total.
The revenue ceiling is supposed to apply until March 31 next year.
Going down ten percent
For electricity consumption, the Commission wants member states to be obliged to reduce electricity use during certain "peak hours" by five percent.
In addition, the goal must be to reduce electricity consumption in total by ten percent.