European commissioner warns: High energy prices are squeezing households and businesses

Luxembourg/Brussels, 29 October (CTK correspondent) - The European Union does not expect an energy shortage in the coming period, but high prices may continue to have a significant impact on households and businesses. European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen said this ahead of today's meeting of energy ministers in Luxembourg. The coming winter will be difficult for many European citizens, he said, and the EU must do everything it can to ease their problems.

"Unfortunately, almost 50 million Europeans currently cannot afford to heat their homes adequately because of high energy prices. It is likely that this number will rise further," Jørgensen told reporters.

"My message to member states is very clear: do everything you can to reduce dependence on fossil fuels as quickly as possible," he added.

According to him, this means using more renewable energy sources, but also switching from gas and oil boilers to heat pumps, and from cars with combustion engines to electric vehicles. He also urged member states to make any subsidies for fossil fuels targeted and temporary.

"We do not expect a supply security crisis," the European commissioner said.

"Although this is not a supply security crisis, it makes little difference to citizens who cannot afford to buy petrol for their cars or heat their homes that energy is available on the market if they cannot afford it," he added. The same applies, he said, to European companies and businesses, which are under considerable pressure. Ministers should therefore discuss further measures today that could help ease the situation.

The Czech Republic is represented at the meeting by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Jan Sechter.