Russia announced that it has stopped supplying natural gas indefinitely at indefinitely, and the surge in energy prices has continued to drive prices. Is Europe ready? Next, take a look at the major measures for major European countries to respond to the soaring energy prices.
1. Germany (inflation rate 8.8%)
Germany, as a major economy in the euro zone, has always taken measures to deal with the most active countries of inflation. According to data from the German Central Bank, due to the serious dependence on Russia’s natural gas, the electricity price has soared, and the inflation rate may reach double digits in autumn. Therefore, its main action is concentrated in the power market. In July this year, the German government announced US $ 257 million to rescue Germany’s largest natural gas supplier Uniper. In August, Prime Minister Olaf Scholz approved the reduction of natural gas VAT from 19% to 7%. This Sunday, after the Russian company announced the cutting off natural gas supply until the West was lifted sanctions, the German coalition government announced the third set of anti -crisis measures worth 65 billion euros. Assistance includes increased welfare to children, energy assistance to retirees and students, and subsidies to some public transportation monthly tickets.
2. France (the consumer price index of residents is 6.5%)
Like neighboring Germany, France is suffering from rising energy prices. In addition to rising energy prices, there are also maintenance problems in nuclear power plants, one of its main power generation sources. In July of this year, the French government announced that EDF, an EDF of EDF, who had held 84% of its capital. In August, the French Parliament approved a package of anti -crisis measures worth 20 billion euros. This measure aims to protect the purchasing power of French people, including increasing pensions and subsidies, and restricting rents to increase.
3. Italy (9%of the consumer price index of residents)
The year -on -year inflation rate in Italy is one of the highest euro countries. The government has approved several measures aimed at cracking down on price, including tax measures -reducing natural gas value -added tax and increasing the profit tax tax of power companies from 10%to 25%to directly assist poor families. At the same time, the Italian government is preparing a new million -euro package plan, which will increase on the basis of the $ 52 billion budget that has been passed this year to reduce the impact of price increases on residents’ lives.
4. Spain (10.4%of the consumer price index of residents)
Spain is the second highest inflation country in the euro zone, second only to the Netherlands. In order to alleviate the upgrade, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez proposed to reduce the value -added tax of natural gas and electricity to 5%. In March of this year, Spain and Portugal have been approved by the European Union and implemented the so -called “Iberian exception” policy. The two countries can pricing natural gas according to domestic conditions without having to synchronize with other EU countries. In addition, the government has approved the reduction of gasoline prices and the reduction of public transportation tickets. The intercity light rail and mid -range train passenger service are free.
5. Britain (10.1%resident consumption index)
In August this year, Britain’s inflation rate reached double digits for the first time in 40 years. In May, the London authorities approved a assistance plan worth 15 billion pounds (about 17.6 billion euros). The source of funds was levied a 25%profit tax on the profit of oil and gas companies. In July, the government submitted a new Energy Security Act in the parliament to introduce 100 billion pounds from the private sector to the industrial field. It is estimated that by 2030, 480,000 jobs will be created.