Europe counts cost of uncoordinated energy strategy

Calls for EU to reflect on gas subsidy bill of €700bn as common purchase mechanism approaches

Europe is entering spring collectively celebrating having averted the major gas crisis that had been predicted over the winter and preparing to launch a common gas purchasing platform expected to further reduce its dependence on Russia. Yet its energy policies—particularly the steep bill for gas subsidies disbursed over the past year—are also coming under scrutiny, with experts saying better coordination between national bodies is necessary as well as more policies to help Europeans face the transition to renewable energy. “Over the past months, EU member states have been involved in a race to subsidise. Gas supply was limited, and hence the main effect of [the subsidies was to drive competi