Brussels criticised for reacting too slowly as energy crisis unfolds

 

There is “cognitive dissonance” between national governments facing public pressure to tackle rising energy bills and the slow reaction from the European Commission, which is not directly accountable to the electorate, the energy advisor of an EU country told EURACTIV.

The scathing criticism came as energy ministers from the 27-country bloc are meeting on Friday (9 September) to discuss ways of reducing soaring energy bills for European households and businesses.

It echoes comments from Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, who said there is not a day to lose in tackling the crisis.

“The Commission has wasted time and that is regrettable,” he said over the weekend.

In EU capitals, leaders are under huge pressure to lower gas and electricity bills, which have surged on the back of Russia’s war in Ukraine and falling gas deliveries to Europe. (...)