EU leaders demand joint action on soaring energy prices

EU leaders demanded coordinated European action to address soaring energy prices, urging the European Commission to implement targeted, temporary measures to support households and struggling industries while bolstering fuel supplies. The calls followed lengthy summit negotiations, with leaders asking the Commission to improve oil refinery capacity and explore voluntary joint energy purchasing. Italy and Greece sought extra spending flexibility, while diesel markets remain tight into 2027, with prices nearly double pre-crisis levels. The crisis strains national budgets, with France and Belgium facing unsustainable debt risks. Middle East disruptions and Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries worsen supply concerns, while a methane rule delay drew environmentalist criticism.