The more than doubling of the cost of energy in the summer in South-East Europe and in the rest of the EU countries, with consequences for Greek households and businesses, mobilized the Greek government and the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, to request intervention from Brussels .
The letter of the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, to the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, which had been announced by the D.E.T.H., has been received, and the question now is whether and how the European market can be regulated, in view of especially in the winter when even then the energy requirements will be increased.
The proposals of Athens
Kyriakos Mitsotakis criticizes the distortions of the energy market – which led to large discrepancies in the wholesale price of electricity in the summer months – and specifically calls for the strengthening of interconnections for the transfer of energy between the member states. At the same time, he emphasizes the necessity of better supervision of the European market, which he characterizes as a “black box, incomprehensible even to experts”.
The factor… Ukraine
The prime minister points out that in addition to the heat and drought that affected pricing in the wholesale market, the destruction of energy infrastructure in Ukraine due to the war was a catalyst, since the war-torn country was a net exporter of electricity, but this year began importing significant amounts energy from its neighbors in the EU.
According to official data, in the first half of 2024, Ukraine increased electricity imports by almost six times compared to 2023.
“This is another cost that Russia’s destructive war is imposing on our economies,” the Greek prime minister wrote in the letter.
Government sources point out that Athens will insist on its position for a European solution immediately.
But, as the E.U. has proven over time. her reflexes, even when there is a window of resolution, are extremely slow.
Commission: “Letter received”
“The president of the European Commission received the letter from the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis,” said the Commission’s press representative, Eric Mamer. “We will analyze the letter we received,” said the representative responsible for Energy, Tim McPhee, clarifying that the Commission’s response will come “in due course”, while noting that Brussels seeks to help the Ukraine to restore its electricity system.
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– What are the main factors contributing to the rising energy costs in South-East Europe?
Table of Contents
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Soaring Energy Costs in South-East Europe: Greek Government Calls for EU Intervention
The recent surge in energy costs in South-East Europe, including Greece, has prompted the Greek government to request urgent intervention from Brussels. The Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has written to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting the need for regulatory measures to mitigate the effects of skyrocketing energy prices on Greek households and businesses.
A Sharply Rising Energy Crisis
The cost of energy in South-East Europe has more than doubled in recent months, with far-reaching consequences for the region’s economy. The situation is expected to worsen in the winter months when energy demand is typically higher. The Greek government is seeking a European solution to address this crisis, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Athens’ Proposals for Regulation
In his letter to the President of the European Commission, Kyriakos Mitsotakis has proposed several measures to strengthen the European energy market. These include the enhancement of interconnections between member states to facilitate the transfer of energy, as well as improved supervision of the European market, which is currently characterized as a “black box, incomprehensible even to experts.”
The Impact of the Ukraine Crisis
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has had a significant impact on the European energy market. The destruction of energy infrastructure in Ukraine has resulted in the country switching from a net exporter of electricity to a significant importer, placing additional pressure on the EU’s energy resources. According to official data, Ukraine’s electricity imports have increased by almost six times in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023. The Greek Prime Minister has described this as another cost imposed on European economies by Russia’s destructive war.
Greek Government Demands Immediate Action
The Greek government is urging the EU to take swift action to address the energy crisis, which is affecting not only Greece but also other member states. Government sources indicate that Athens will insist on its position for a European solution, emphasizing the need for collective action to prevent further economic hardship.
EU Response Still Uncertain
While the Greek government has taken the initiative to request EU intervention, the response from Brussels remains uncertain. The EU has a track record of struggling to respond to energy crises, and it remains to be seen whether the Commission will take concrete steps to address the concerns raised by the Greek Prime Minister.
Conclusion
The soaring energy costs in South-East Europe, including Greece, pose a significant threat to the region’s economy and households. The Greek government’s call for EU intervention is a timely reminder of the need for collective action to address this crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for the EU to take decisive measures to regulate the energy market and mitigate the impact of the crisis on its member states.
Keywords: energy costs, South-East Europe, Greece, EU intervention, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Ursula von der Leyen, energy crisis, Ukraine conflict, European energy market, interconnections, supervision, energy imports, economic hardship.
Word Count: 550 words
What are the main factors contributing to the rising energy costs in South-East Europe?
Here is a comprehensive and SEO-optimized article on the topic:
Soaring Energy Costs in South-East Europe: Greek Government Calls for EU Intervention
The recent surge in energy costs in South-East Europe, including Greece, has prompted the Greek government to request urgent intervention from Brussels. The Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has written to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting the need for regulatory measures to mitigate the effects of skyrocketing energy prices on Greek households and businesses.
A Sharply Rising Energy Crisis
The cost of energy in South-East Europe has more than doubled in recent months, with far-reaching consequences for the region’s economy. The situation is expected to worsen in the winter months when energy demand is typically higher. The Greek government is seeking a European solution to address this crisis, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Athens’ Proposals for Regulation
In his letter to the President of the European Commission, Kyriakos Mitsotakis has proposed several measures to strengthen the European energy market. These include the enhancement of interconnections between member states to facilitate the transfer of energy, as well as improved supervision of the European market, which is currently characterized as a “black box, incomprehensible even to experts.”
The Impact of the Ukraine Crisis
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has had a significant impact on the European energy market. The destruction of energy infrastructure in Ukraine has resulted in the country switching from a net exporter of electricity to a significant importer, placing additional pressure on the EU’s energy resources. According to official data, Ukraine’s electricity imports have increased by almost six times in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023. The Greek Prime Minister has described this as another cost imposed on European economies by Russia’s destructive war.
**Greek Government Demands
