EU leaders seek temporary measures to ease 'brutal' energy price surge
European Union leaders are meeting in Brussels starting Thursday for a two-day summit focused on rising energy and fuel prices. European Council President António Costa is seeking a coordinated EU response to protect households and businesses from what he called a "brutal" price increase. Costa argued that temporary, targeted measures are needed to mitigate the impact, which he linked to the war in Iran and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, diplomatic sources noted the EU has limited power over internationally determined prices, and concrete proposals from the European Commission remain uncertain. The draft conclusions include temporary public support for exposed industries and measures to aggregate energy demand. The summit will also address the EU budget for 2028-2034, with Portugal contesting proposed cuts to cohesion and agricultural funds, and demanding dedicated financing for its outermost regions. Other topics include discussions on China, Ukraine, defense, and migration.