Tag: EU summit

A two-day EU summit opening in Brussels today (27 June) comes against the background of harsh verbal exchange between France and the European Commission over what role the EU executive should take in the new economic governance architecture that is being put in place to avert a repetition of the eurozone debt crisis.

Trade unions in the EU institutions warned they could go on strike next week, threatening to disrupt a European summit on 27-28 June if the European Commission doesn’t withdraw a proposed reform of staff regulations. Trade unions say the Commission is keeping EU officials in the dark about the latest developments in the negotiations.

The EU has “fundamental” structural problems, while France and Germany are no longer able to formulate a common vision for it, said MEP Sven Giegold (Germany, Greens/EFA group) in an interview with EurActiv Germany.

Several EU leaders attending a summit in Brussels announced yesterday (22 May) they would prioritise ‘silver bullet’ solutions - such as the development of shale gas - to reduce energy prices. The European Commission, meanwhile, said simultaneous action was needed "on several fronts."

EU leaders met on 22 May to discuss how to lower energy prices and improve industrial competitiveness, at a time when other developed countries are rushing to invest in shale gas. Second issue on the agenda was tax evasion, which every year deprives EU governments of roughly €1 trillion.

The European gas sector is in a disastrous state and without policies to boost investment, the power supply of some countries could be at risk, a top industry official said.