SEV Calls for Immediate EU Action to Reduce Energy Prices

In anticipation of the publication of the Clean Industrial State Aid Framework (CISAF) on June 25, SEV, in collaboration with industrial and employer associations from Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Austria, Portugal, and Slovakia, issued a joint statement on June 19 to top European officials. The statement requests provisions allowing EU member states to implement targeted measures to support industrial electricity prices. According to SEV, this is a critical issue as CISAF represents one of the last opportunities to address Europe’s accelerating deindustrialization. To date, there have been no EU-level measures effectively addressing high energy costs in industry. Existing price differences within the EU distort competition, while previous national efforts to establish targeted measures like the Green Pool were not approved by the European Commission due to overly restrictive state aid rules. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary and crucial to include effective provisions in the CISAF to support industry during the implementation of Europe’s decarbonization strategy, ensuring production sustainability and competitiveness, and preserving jobs. ‘Current energy prices are unfortunately unsustainable. We see that responsible European authorities hesitate to take immediate and effective action. Solutions undoubtedly aren’t easy; they require courage, foresight, and substantial consultation between the EU and businesses. With this joint initiative by SEV and other European organizations, we send a clear message: Greek and European companies cannot wait any longer. We need specific measures to reduce energy prices now,’ said SEV President Spyros Theodoropoulos.