what will be discussed at the EU Heads of State Summit in Prague

Mario Draghi – Picture by Ansa Foto

EU and European Heads of State and Government will meet in Prague today, Thursday 6 October, and tomorrow, for two days of meetings hosted by the current Czech Presidency. Outgoing Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi will also participate.

Von der Leyen’s proposals

Hours after the summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke to leaders about the new package of proposals to tackle rising energy prices. Once again, he did not mention the general price cap on all gas imports, demanded by Italy, France and thirteen other countries.

Instead, he proposed a price cap on gas used to generate electricity. Among other measures, a cap on gas prices negotiated with suppliers, a European price cap, a new alternative index to the Tff, additional funds, reform of the electricity market and group purchases.

The program of the Prague summit

The first meeting of the European Political Community is scheduled at the castle, an opening plenary session from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., round tables will follow until 4 p.m., bilateral meetings until 7 p.m. and finally the closing plenary session during dinner. .

There is no written final statement, but a press conference. Tomorrow, however, will be the informal European Council. On the table will be the energy crisis, measures against high bills, Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Russia and Belarus will not participate

The Summit of the Countries of the European Political Community is in its first edition. It is designed as a forum for dialogue between the EU and the other European countries, with the exception of Russia and Belarus, which have been excluded due to the war.

Instead, 44 heads of government and state, 27 from the EU and 17 others, from the UK, Georgia and Ukraine to Armenia and Azerbaijan, will take part. Turkish President Recep Tayyp Erdogan will also be present, leading the country officially a candidate for membership of the European Union.

On the table, climate, energy and security

The round tables will be held on two themes: climate and energy on the one hand and security on the other.

Tomorrow, Friday 7 October, Heads of State and Government will return to Prague Castle for the informal European Council. Also in this case today’s issues will be at the leadership table.

Zelensky will intervene remotely

Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelensky is expected to intervene remotely and a physical Ukrainian delegation will be present. The leaders will discuss how to continue to support kyiv both militarily and financially, including ahead of October 25, when a conference on Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction is scheduled.

The other issue on the table is that of energy, but no decision is expected. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz could give some more explanation on the 200 billion euro plan announced by his government to support families and businesses against high bills.