The government promised effective and timely aid in the face of soaring energy prices, and said the solution on energy supplies will be a ‘European’ one.

On Friday Prime Minister Xavier Bettel (DP) and Energy Minister Claude Turmes (dei Greng) gave a lengthy press conference where we learnt little about what the government intends to do, and that there is no concrete plan yet.

Key Takeaway:

  • The end to this energy crisis will be found through a European solution, Luxembourg will not be able to manage it alone.

What that means: There seems to be a clear commitment from the government to work with the rest of the European member states to find a solution. Claude Turmes will join Energy Ministers from across the EU in Brussels for talks on 9 September.

Main Points:

  • Bettel explained that the government will continue to monitor developments around energy prices on a weekly basis.

  • The government intends to take measures to support households and businesses. 

No Specifics: The government appeared united in wanting to find a solution together, and Bettel reiterated that he leads a colourful coalition, however, no specifics were given. We do not know what aid measures will look like.

  • Turmes explained that in terms of gas reserves (energy supplies), the situation is more or less stable.

  • He continued by reminding journalists that there is a common goal in the Union to save up to 15% of gas this winter.

The EU is at work: Claude Turmes made multiple references to other European member states, and how the EU will act together in this energy crisis. He mentioned efforts in Portugal, Spain and stress-tests in Germany. He said energy-saving measures won’t be imposed at this point.

  • With regards to both aid measures in response to the energy crisis and the recent discussions on indexation, the Prime Minister said he is not trying to prevent any discussions from being held in the Chamber, however as the issues are connected, he explained that the situation is extremely delicate to handle. Both people's jobs and quality of life have to be guaranteed, he noted.

A Liberal Prime Minister facing Tripartites and Elections in 2023: Xavier Bettel said that as a liberal, he supports the free market, but announced that his party will support motions for necessary regulations and aid in light of the war in Ukraine. The government is under pressure ahead of multiple Tripartites this autumn, and the fact that a double election year is coming up in 2023 escapes no one.

Overall:

The Press Conference had no concrete announcements nor plans. What we were told is that energy saving measures will be presented next Thursday and that the tripartite will allow for aid to relieve households hit by energy bills rising sharply.

Tripartite meetings are scheduled for 18, 19 and 20 September.

Christos Floros covers News and Politics for RTL Today @christosfloros