Leaders of the European Union were heading into a two-day summit Thursday with opposing views on whether and how the bloc could impose a gas price cap, to contain the energy crisis triggered by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and strategy to cut off gas supplies to the bloc at will.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is expected to address the 27 national leaders via video conference from Kyiv, will highlight the need for rock-solid EU unity in confronting Russia at the summit’s outset, asking for continued assistance to get his country through the winter.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said early Thursday that Zelenskyy should not be concerned. Scholz called Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure and terrorizing cities with killer drones “war crimes.”
Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a statement to the German Parliament that Scorched-earth tactics will not help Russia win the war; they only strengthen Ukraine’s determination and staying power.
Over the summer, EU gas prices skyrocketed as nations competed to outbid one another to fill their winter reserves.
In the meantime, EU leaders will try to pool their gas purchases and set a temporary price cap to prevent an overheated energy market from returning.
Germany and the Netherlands have raised serious concerns about a European Union proposal to cap natural gas prices.
According to the two states, it would be troublesome and could ensure that supplies bypass the 28-nation bloc rather than rely on imports from outside the EU.