Leaders across the European Union are urging the European Commission to quickly present practical solutions to reduce electricity bills for households and businesses. Governments across the bloc say high energy prices continue to strain industries and consumers, even after the worst of the energy crisis eased. Among the options being discussed are reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System, which sets the carbon price for polluting industries and power producers, as well as possible adjustments to electricity market rules to prevent sudden price spikes. EU leaders have asked the Commission to outline concrete proposals in the coming months.
The push also includes exploring ways to lower energy taxes and grid charges, strengthen cross-border electricity connections, and expand long-term power purchase agreements that can provide more stable prices. Some countries are calling for targeted support for energy-intensive industries such as steel, chemicals and manufacturing, which have been heavily affected by high power costs. At the same time, EU officials stress that cutting electricity bills must go hand in hand with accelerating renewable energy expansion, improving energy efficiency and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, particularly after the energy shock triggered by the Russia–Ukraine War. More