EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said the bloc would not rush into any rash decisions to resolve the energy crisis. AP
EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said the bloc would not rush into any rash decisions to resolve the energy crisis. AP
EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said the bloc would not rush into any rash decisions to resolve the energy crisis. AP
EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said the bloc would not rush into any rash decisions to resolve the energy crisis. AP

EU split over bloc's response to energy price surge


Jamie Prentis
  • English
  • Arabic

European Union countries have failed to agree on a unified response to the steep rise in energy prices, as entrenched divisions marked an emergency meeting between member states.

France and Spain want fundamental reform of the energy market but other countries say the price surge is temporary and does not require deep-rooted changes.

Gas prices in Europe have increased 170 per cent since the start of the year.

At the meeting in Luxembourg, ministers agreed "we should not rush into rash decisions", European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson said.

"There was no agreed position on whether or not intervention measures should be adopted at the EU level and applied in all member states," said Slovenian Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec, whose country holds the EU presidency.

Spain has argued for joint gas purchases by EU countries and a maximum gas price. Its Energy Minister, Sara Aagesen Munoz, said the price surge was "an extraordinary and urgent situation that requires urgent action".

However, 11 countries including Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden backed a statement that opposed fundamental changes to the market.

Ms Simson said there was "broad consensus" that the current price hike was temporary and "caused by the extraordinary global gas demand – not our market design".

The surge has been blamed on a rapid rise in demand for energy after the loosening of Covid-19 restrictions.

"There is no denying that the current market situation puts Europe under pressure," she said.

But the EU must focus on its ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2050, she said, requiring heavier investment in renewable sources.

"Changing the current model poses risks to market predictability, competitiveness and our clean energy transition," Ms Simson said.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Arabian Gulf League fixtures:

Friday:

  • Emirates v Hatta, 5.15pm
  • Al Wahda v Al Dhafra, 5.25pm
  • Al Ain v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, 8.15pm

Saturday:

  • Dibba v Ajman, 5.15pm
  • Sharjah v Al Wasl, 5.20pm
  • Al Jazira v Al Nasr, 8.15pm
COMPANY%20PROFILE%3A
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Company%20Profile
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Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?

Some facts about bees:

The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer

The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days

A queen bee lives for 3-5 years

This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony

About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive

Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.

Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen 

Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids

Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments

Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive,  protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts

Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain

Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities

The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes

Is beekeeping dangerous?

As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.

“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”

 

 

Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

Brief scoreline:

Wales 1

James 5'

Slovakia 0

Man of the Match: Dan James (Wales)

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

THE BIO

Favourite holiday destination: Whenever I have any free time I always go back to see my family in Caltra, Galway, it’s the only place I can properly relax.

Favourite film: The Way, starring Martin Sheen. It’s about the Camino de Santiago walk from France to Spain.

Personal motto: If something’s meant for you it won’t pass you by.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

Updated: October 26, 2021, 2:48 PM`