EU summit fails to offer practical steps to ease bloc's energy crisis

The EU summit concluded without proposing practical measures to mitigate the bloc's energy crisis. Leaders only reaffirmed their commitment to the alternative energy transition strategy and called for coordinated international action. In a written statement, EU leaders urged "unhindered trade" in energy resources and fuel with partner countries, specifically requesting the US not to restrict fuel supplies to Europe. They also claimed the energy transition is the "most effective strategy" for achieving strategic autonomy. The European Commission reported gas prices in the EU have risen 140% and diesel prices 100% since the start of the year. Countries overpaid 100 billion euros for energy in the first nine months of 2026, with a "very difficult winter" expected.