In a debate with the Commission and Czech Presidency, MEPs outline their expectations for the 20-21 October EU summit.During their meeting in Brussels, heads of state or government will focus on the latest developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine, the EU’s continued support for Ukraine, and emergency energy measures. Ursula von der LEYEN, President of EC, explains the legislative framework agreed by the European Commission to address the energy crisis. Political group leaders answer to the President.

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 20-21 October 2022: extracts from the debate

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SOUNDBITE (English), Mikuláš BEK, Czech Minister for European Affairs Building on the discussions in Prague, as well as yesterday's Commission proposal, leaders will speak a strong common European response to the high gas and electricity prices.

SOUNDBITE (English), Mikuláš BEK, Czech Minister for European Affairs First, we will not allow Russia's weaponizing of energy to weaken the resolve and economic power of the EU. Second, key areas for action will include efforts to reduce demand to ensure security of supply and to lower energy prices.

SOUNDBITE (English), Mikuláš BEK, Czech Minister for European Affairs The European Council unequivocally condemns and rejects Russia's illegal annexation of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. The European Council will call for Russia to immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine and refrain from hybrid attacks on Ukraine.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC Instead of outbidding each other, Europeans should buy gas together. Very simple. So for this, we will purchase together gas at EU level. Aggregation of demand will be mandatory for at least 15% of the volumes needed to fill gas storages. And the companies involved may form a gas purchasing consortium.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC In the end, if you look at our single market with highly integrated supply chains, a disruption in one member state has a massive impact on all member states. So, sharing gas is absolutely critical.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC And this is why we will put in place default rules for member states. These rules will be binding as long as Member States do not conclude individual solidarity agreement. Energy solidarity is a fundamental principle of our treaties. So let's bring that to life. It's very simple.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC The current benchmark determining gas prices is TTF. TTF is only focussed on pipeline gas. What we see now is that the market has really changed from pipeline gas market to LNG market. So we need a new a specific price benchmark for LNG.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC In the meantime, as a stopgap measure, we will limit prices at TTF. We call this the market correction mechanism.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC But gas also drives electricity prices up. And here the Iberian model comes into play. It really merits to be considered at EU level. There are still questions to be answered, but I want to leave no stone unturned. So let us face that. Let's look at that and let's work at that.

SOUNDBITE (English), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE) We have wasted already enough time. And after a summer of missed opportunities, we need now a winter of solutions, a winter of actions. And we need, first of all, a winter of solidarity.

SOUNDBITE (English), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE) The French president tells us a gas connexion to Spain is not necessary. And the German chancellor today is totally happy that he prolonged the work of one nuclear power plant for another three months. Wow. Great result of the energy planning there. We risk to fail in the eyes of history dear friends. Europe has much energy. We create a real energy union.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ (S&D, ES), The measures unveiled by the European Commission yesterday are positive, but they are not very ambitious. First of all, we have to act very quickly in order to decouple gas prices from electricity. And Madame President von der Leyen talks about the Iberian exception that could be extended to the rest of the EU, but we have got to do so immediately. Secondly, we have got to move forward with determination in order to cap imported gas prices.

SOUNDBITE (French), Stéphane SÉJOURNÉ (Renew, FR) We know the current challenges capping gas prices. We need a new solidarity fund by the end of winter 2024 that should allow states that are not able to lower energy costs to be helped. Thank you also for your proposals. We know that your proposals for vaccines worked. And that should work again. When it comes to proposals for joint purchasing.

SOUNDBITE (English), Terry REINTKE (Greens/EFA, DE) We will need to invest together a European solidarity fund with common balance to invest in through the renovation wave and the expansion of renewables. To counter Putin's escalation strategy. To become less dependent on autocratic regimes for our energy supply. And I am not only talking about Russia here, because also Azerbaijan is not a democracy to fund the necessary measures to tackle climate change and to protect our citizens from economic and social hits. Because social equality is essential for democracy.

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 20-21 October 2022: extracts from the debate

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