Tusk calls for stop to energy price hikes in Europe
Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged the European Union to take measures to halt the rise in energy prices in order to safeguard the bloc's economic competitiveness.
Tusk addressed a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, held at the European Solidarity Centre in the northern Polish city of Gdansk, where the EU College of Commissioners gathered for an off-site meeting, on Friday.
"No decision can be made in Europe that could cause another rise in energy prices," he warned. "We must all, without exception, focus on making decisions that will directly result in lowering energy prices."
Tusk added that if prices were not lowered, "the desire to be competitive with China or the United States will prove to be a complete illusion." He pledged to seek financial, legislative and investment measures to avoid the hikes.
"There is no doubt that we will clash in our opinions on numerous occasions, and we will certainly be uncompromising when it comes to security and competitiveness... Behind every slogan there must be a a clear effect," Tusk said.
Von der Leyen announced that in the coming weeks, the European Commission will present an action plan for affordable energy, which will show how much more we can do together.
Tusk endorsed the idea of joint gas purchases suggested by the EC president. (PAP)
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