EU Summit Opens With Energy, China Trade and Budget Disputes

European Union leaders opened a two-day summit in Brussels on October 15, putting high energy costs, trade with China and disagreements over the bloc’s next long-term budget on the agenda. The meeting was scheduled to continue through October 16, with discussions also expected on Ukraine. The summit began as governments weighed possible ways to ease energy costs for households and businesses while protecting the competitiveness of European industry. European Council President António Costa had called in an October 8 letter for political guidance on temporary measures. The agenda and draft conclusions pointed to discussion of options, but no final energy-relief package had been confirmed. Energy policy has exposed differences among member states. The Czech Republic and Italy have sought to weaken or suspend the EU Emissions Trading System, which requires power plants and industries to buy permits for carbon emissions. Leaders from Finland, Sweden and Denmark argued against weakening the system, saying it supports energy security and investment in clean industries. The sources do not report a resolution of that dispute. Trade with China was another central issue.