Ahead of the 15 December Energy Council, the Energy Union Task Force (EUTF), which met on Tuesday 9 December, acknowledged that continued efforts are needed to make energy more affordable, while European energy prices remain two to three times higher than those of their American and Chinese competitors.
In a press release, the European Commission pointed out that gas prices have fallen on average and now stand at around EUR 27/MWh - a level close to that seen before mid-2021. Wholesale electricity prices average EUR 83/MWh, “with national and regional price divergences across Europe”.
The task force session also provided an opportunity to discuss the “pragmatic” implementation of the EU Methane Regulation adopted in 2024, focusing on compliance with import requirements and considering security of supply within penalty regimes in the event of non-compliance.
The participants agreed on “the importance of establishing penalty systems that preserve security of supply”, said the Commission.
The EU Methane Regulation has in particular been criticised by the United States, as it introduces new requirements for transparency and monitoring of methane emissions for imports of fossil fuels, such as American liquefied natural gas (LNG) (see EUROPE 13759/23).
Set up in June 2025 as part of the Action Plan on Affordable Energy, the Energy Union Task Force brings together both the EU Member States and the European Commission. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)