The Energy Union Task Force (EUTF) met today for a comprehensive discussion on 2 key issues in the European energy landscape: the implementation of the EU Methane Regulation and energy prices. This meeting saw participation from all EU countries and the European Commission, renewing its commitment to the Energy Union’s objectives of delivering affordable, secure and sustainable energy.
Regarding the EU Methane Regulation, the session provided an exchange on its pragmatic implementation, focusing on 2 important topics: compliance solutions for import requirements and the implementation of security of supply considerations within penalty regimes. The Commission recalled that 2 workable solutions for demonstrating compliance with the importer requirements have been discussed at the last meeting of the network of competent authorities, where competent authorities concluded that these solutions provide credible evidence for compliance. The Commission and intervening EU countries aligned on the importance of establishing penalty regimes that preserve security of supply.
On energy prices, gas prices have been falling on average recently and they stand today at around EUR 27/MWh. This is near the price levels seen before mid-2021, point from which prices started to increase significantly. Wholesale electricity prices stand roughly at EUR 83/MWh on average, with national and regional price divergences across Europe. During the meeting, the EUTF recognised that while the energy crisis has passed, continuous efforts are needed to make energy more affordable. EU countries shared national experiences showcasing strategies implemented to address energy price levels, including as regards the use of two-way contracts for difference and power purchase agreements, the promotion of energy storage, the reduction of taxation levels to electricity and the design of a demand response mechanism that harnesses consumer flexibility.
The task force will continue to meet in 2026 with a view to address the most challenging areas of completing the Energy Union and addressing energy prices.
Background
The Energy Union Task Force has been established in the Affordable Energy Action Plan and inaugurated in June. It brings together high-rank officials from Member States working on energy and the European Commission, to address topical matters related to EU energy policy. Today’s meeting of the task force took place against the backdrop of the meeting of 4 November 2025, during which the task force members exchanged on possible measures to make energy more affordable and boost the competitiveness of our industry. Two additional meetings took place on 28 November and 4 December, to explain the State aid framework applicable to energy prices and to discuss electricity taxation and its role on energy affordability, respectively.