EU summit in Brussels: short meeting, many topics

The night could be short for the EU heads of state: At their last meeting this year, not only many but also controversial topics such as the European energy price cap are on the agenda.

It is a full one-day EU summit: In view of the subject matter, the meeting will probably last into the morning hours. First of all there is the terrible war that Russia has started against Ukraine, said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz before the start of the summit.

Here the EU wants to formulate solidarity again together. But it is also about very specific financial and humanitarian aid in restoring the energy infrastructure. And more weapons.

“And at the same time we are in the process of discussing how we can keep the consequences of this war for our economies under control,” said Scholz. This applies above all to the question of high energy prices.

Discussions about European gas price caps

For months there has been a dispute over a European gas price cap in order to control the gas price, which has fluctuated sharply in the wake of the Ukraine war. The EU energy ministers are to discuss the level and scope of such an upper limit next Monday.

“We need solutions for this,” said Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer. “There are many other suggestions in this context that are now simply blocked.” Such as buying gas together. The energy ministries are now called upon to find a constructive solution for the European Union and for the member states.

EUR 18 billion aid package for Ukraine

It is unclear whether 18 billion euros will be released for Ukraine at this meeting as planned. These funds are part of a package of agreements that are due to be adopted as a package today. The Czech Republic, which will hold the Council Presidency until the end of the year, also wanted to reach an agreement on a number of other controversial issues.

The package also includes, for example, a minimum tax for multinational companies, which was blocked by Poland at the last minute. Warsaw is apparently trying to get the Corona aid money that is currently blocked due to the rule of law dispute with Brussels.

“There is still some work to be done,” said Council President Charles Michel. Despite everything, he is optimistic that an agreement will be reached. The 18 billion euros for Ukraine aid are an important signal of solidarity. “There are complicated problems to be solved, so we have to work on them in the next few hours,” stressed Michel.

EU reforms against bribery

This summit is overshadowed by the corruption scandal in the EU Parliament. At the start of the summit, its President Roberta Metsola promised the heads of state and government that the matter would be clarified quickly. Nothing will be swept under the rug and we will not just go back to business as usual.

Metsola announced far-reaching reforms in the fight against corruption for the coming year. At the center of the corruption scandal is Parliament Vice President Ewa Kaili. Her partner, who also works in the EU Parliament, is said to have admitted to having been part of an organization through which Qatar and Morocco wanted to influence political and economic decisions in the EU.