Even Slovakia is already calling for a ceiling on the prices of gas imported into the EU
The authors work for the Euractiv.sk portal
- The Slovak government has changed its mind and supports capping the prices of imported gas.
- Member States do not agree to a significant reduction in pesticides.
- The European Commission wants to speed up the ratification of trade agreements.
1. Even Slovakia is already calling for a cap on the prices of gas imported into the EU
Three weeks ago, Slovakia opposed capping gas prices. According to the then state secretary Karol Galek do led to the stoppage of Russian gas supplies and the sharp increase in prices.
However, under the new Ministry of Economy, Karl Hirman, Slovakia has joined the other 14 countries that the European Commission is inviting to submit such a proposal.
The difference is that this time it is about capping gas prices from all sources, not only the Russian one. Although the proposal has significantly more support from member states, the European Commission rejected it. The Politico portal sees Germany’s interests behind this.
What is it about?
Energy prices are still the number one topic. Gas achieved the last record at the end of August. since then, prices have fallen as the country has managed to fill reservoirs. However, damage to the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines may push prices up again. Especially since it can never be repaired due to the effects of salt water.
The Eurocommission proposed capping Russian gas already at the beginning of September. At that time, however, only four member countries supported this plan, Slovakia was also against it. One of arguments was that the supply from Russia is so low that it needs a lot to cap. Others feared that the measure would threaten even the little that is coming.
Since it was only Russian gas, the states