Recent increase in electricity prices in central and eastern Europe
17.9.2024
Question for written answer E-001736/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Radan Kanev (PPE), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Miriam Lexmann (PPE), Adrian-George Axinia (ECR), Daniel Buda (PPE), Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE), Dan Barna (Renew), Zala Tomašič (PPE), Dirk Gotink (PPE), Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE), Matej Tonin (PPE), Eva Maydell (PPE), Tsvetelina Penkova (S&D), Tonino Picula (S&D), Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE), Nikola Minchev (Renew), Virgil-Daniel Popescu (PPE), Hristo Petrov (Renew), Emil Radev (PPE)
For over four consecutive months, the internal energy market has faced a significant lack of uniformity, particularly in several Member States in south-eastern Europe, including Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Croatia. Electricity prices in these countries have surged dramatically compared with other regions of Europe, approaching the highest prices seen in the EU in this period. This disparity is having serious negative effects on industrial competitiveness and consumer prices, while also jeopardising economic convergence within the EU. Moreover, this situation is being massively exploited politically by Russian and populist propaganda, further undermining the democratic integrity of these nations.
- 1.Has the Commission assessed the causes behind the electricity price imbalances in these countries?
- 2.If so, can the Commission share its findings, including insights into the factors affecting the functioning of the common energy market and local influences?
- 3.What actions is the Commission planning to address this imbalance?
Submitted: 17.9.2024