20 October 2022
During the first day of the European Council, EU leaders agreed to intensify efforts on additional measures to contain energy prices, guarantee security of supply and help reduce energy demand. ‘Unity and solidarity prevailed’ said President Michel when announcing the deal.
Main results, 20 October 2022
On 20 October, the European Council adopted conclusions on energy and economy.
- European Council conclusions on energy and economy, 20 October 2022
- Remarks by President Charles Michel following the European Council meeting on 20 October 2022
On 21 October, EU leaders will discuss Ukraine, critical infrastructure and external relations.
This meeting follows the informal European Council held in Prague on 7 October, during which EU leaders discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine and the impact it is having on the energy crisis and the economy in Europe.
Energy and economy
The European Council discussed the energy crisis and agreed on the need to accelerate and intensify efforts to reduce energy demand, avoid rationing, secure supply and lower prices. They stressed that the integrity of the single market had to be preserved.
In the face of Russia’s weaponisation of energy, the European Union will remain united to protect its citizens and businesses and take the necessary measures as a matter of urgency
European Council conclusions, 20 October 2022
EU leaders called on the Council and the Commission to urgently submit concrete decisions on additional measures, and on the Commission proposals, having assessed their impact on existing contracts, including the fact that long-term contracts should not be affected, and taking into account the different energy mixes and national circumstances:
- voluntary joint purchases of gas, except for binding demand aggregation for a volume equivalent to 15% of storage filling needs, according to national needs, exploiting the Union’s collective market weight and making full use of the EU Energy Platform
- a new complementary benchmark by early 2023 that more accurately reflects conditions on the gas market
- a temporary dynamic price corridor on natural gas transactions to immediately limit episodes of excessive gas prices, taking into account the safeguards set out in a proposed draft Council regulation
- a temporary EU framework to cap the price of gas in electricity generation, including a cost and benefit analysis
- improvements to the functioning of energy markets to increase market transparency, alleviate liquidity stress, eliminate factors that amplify the volatility of gas prices and preserve financial stability
- fast-tracking of the simplification of permitting procedures to accelerate the rollout of renewables and related grids, including with emergency measures
- energy solidarity measures in case of gas supply disruptions at national, regional or Union level, in the absence of bilateral solidarity agreements
- increased efforts to save energy
- mobilise relevant tools at national and EU levels to enhance the resilience of our economies and preserve Europe’s global competitiveness
The European Council is committed to closely coordinate policy responses and will continue to closely monitor economic developments to deliver a determined and agile policy response.
The European Council reiterated the need to step up investments in energy efficiency, future-proof energy infrastructure and innovative renewable technologies.
Leaders invited the Commission to speed up work on the structural reform of the electricity market, including an impact assessment, and called for further progress towards a full Energy Union serving the dual objective of European energy sovereignty and climate neutrality.
- Energy prices and security of supply (background information)
- Impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the markets: EU response (background information)
Agenda highlights, 21 October 2022
Ukraine
The European Council will discuss the latest developments in relation to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including its consequences in Ukraine and elsewhere.
In this regard, EU leaders will also discuss continued EU support for Ukraine.
External relations
EU-Asia relations
The European Council will address EU-Asia relations and will hold a strategic discussion on China. EU leaders will also prepare for the upcoming EU-ASEAN summit, to be held on 14 December 2022.
International conferences
The European Council will take stock of preparations for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt (COP27), which will take place from 6 to 18 November 2022, and preparations for the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (Part Two), which will be held in Montreal, Canada, from 7 to 19 December 2022.
Other issues
In the light of current events, the European Council may address other specific foreign policy issues.
Meeting information
- 20 October 2022, start at 15:00
Preparatory documents
Outcome documents
Press releases
21 October 2022, 03:30
21 October 2022, 03:25
20 October 2022, 17:00
18 October 2022, 15:00
18 October 2022, 12:20
7 September 2022, 13:15