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Energy, economy and Ukraine on agenda at informal European Council meeting

Government Communications Department
Publication date 7.10.2022 19.43 | Published in English on 10.10.2022 at 16.07
Press release
Eurooppa-neuvoston jäsenet yhteiskuvassa Prahan linnassa

The leaders of the EU Member States held a thorough discussion about energy and the economy, which are facing challenges due to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. The European Council met for an informal meeting on Friday 7 October in Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Prime Minister Sanna Marin represented Finland at the meeting.

The EU leaders noted that the coming winter and possibly the winter after that will be difficult for Europeans. The situation can only be adequately addressed through concerted measures at the EU level.

“The high rate of inflation due to the rise in energy prices, combined with the need to support citizens and businesses in tackling the energy crisis, is a challenging equation. We need better coordination between the Member States to ensure that our actions do not disrupt the single market. The most important thing is to address the root causes of the problem: the availability and price of energy. Only by compensating for the high prices can we resolve this crisis,” Prime Minister Marin said.

Finland is open to different options for lowering the price of energy. Earlier this week, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen presented the EU leaders with a proposal for a roadmap to reduce energy prices. The European Commission is expected to issue concrete proposals before the October European Council on 20–21 October. 

“Europe’s energy issues and the subsequent inflation are the result of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. Russia is trying to divide us. It is ramping up its actions in an effort to undermine our support for Ukraine, but we must react in the opposite way. The EU must continue and further increase its strong political, economic and humanitarian support and arms assistance to Ukraine,” said Prime Minister Marin in Prague.

Inquiries: Jari Luoto, Under-Secretary of State for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 468 5949, Saara Pokki, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 50 478 6363, Lauri Voionmaa, Special Adviser (International Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 306 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office