Winter fast approaching, European Union leaders meet in Prague to discuss energy crisis

Attendees pose for a photograph at the informal European Union 27 Summit and Meeting within the European Political Community at Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, October 6, 2022. (Reuters)

This meet was an attempt to bridge significant differences over a natural gas price cap as winter approaches and Russia’s war on Ukraine fuels a major energy crisis. (Reuters)

The 27-nation bloc is preparing to contain an energy crisis that has pushed up prices for consumers and businesses, and the price cap is one of several measures being discussed. In picture, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Moldova's President Maia Sandu attend a news conference during the Informal EU 27 Summit and Meeting. (Reuters)

Russia has reduced or cut off natural gas to 13 member nations as Europeans strengthen their support for Ukraine in the form of weapons, money and aid. In picture, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola attends the Informal EU 27 Summit. (Reuters)

Each member country depends on different energy sources and suppliers, and they’re struggling to decide on the best way ahead. In picture, British Prime Minister Liz Truss, left, poses with France's President Emmanuel Macron. Truss, who had recently expressed her desire to “re-engage” with France following post-Brexit tensions, called Macron “a friend." (Reuters)

Russian gas supplies to the EU declined by 37% between January and August. The US and Norway have stepped in to provide liquefied natural gas to help Europe. In picture, Switzerland's President Ignazio Cassis at the Informal EU 27 Summit and Meeting. (Reuters)

The replacement options have not been cheap. “I, therefore, recommend stepping up negotiations with our reliable suppliers to reduce the prices of imported gas of all kinds,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a letter to the leaders ahead of Friday’s summit in the Czech capital. (Reuters)

People protest outside the Prague Castle, as the Informal EU 27 Summit and Meeting within the European Political Community takes place, in Prague, Czech Republic, October 7, 2022. (Reuters)

The Czech capital witnessed protests against the rising energy prices in September too, with a gathering of 70,000 people. (Reuters)