Transport Online – Eurogroup will better resolve energy price support measures
BRUSSELS – The twenty euro countries agree that the measures to maintain the purchasing power of households at the same level in the face of high energy prices must be better coordinated. But according to Minister Sigrid Kaag (Finance), it continues to look for which measures can be taken at European level. This became apparent during a meeting of the Eurogroup in Brussels, where Kaag gave an explanation about the operation of the energy price ceiling in the Netherlands.
The finance ministers of the euro countries (Eurogroup) have stated that the measures they are introducing to relieve the burden on citizens’ wallets are temporary and permanent.
The Netherlands is one of the few EU member states that has concluded a temporary price ceiling for electricity and gas that also includes a savings incentive.
Since 1 January, households have paid less than the normal rates for gas and electricity from the energy companies. The actual rate only applies above a consumption of more than 1200 cubic meters of gas and 2900 kilowatt hours of electricity.
Eurogroup chairman Paschal Donohoe had asked Kaag to explain how the price cap works. He said afterwards that he was “grateful” for that. Kaag said he sees the request as part of the discussion about what works and what doesn’t work. “Can we do something with it at European level?”
The presentation discussed the advances and acquisitions and “also that the cabinet is thinking about how to phase it out”, according to Kaag. “And how you can continue to provide targeted and structural support.” One of the rewarding measures is for employers to raise wages. “We always keep saying that.”