EU summit: Leaders seek fast solutions to spiralling energy prices

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels for a packed two-day summit. Energy prices, trade with China and the budget will dominate Thursday's session. The leaders of the European Union are gathering in Brussels for a two-day summit that is set to kick off with a highly charged discussion on skyrocketing energy prices. Oil remains above $100 per barrel despite a recent G7-wide release, while gas trades at its highest level since winter 2022, with underground storage running below average. Ongoing hostilities in the Middle East dash hopes of an easy way out. The energy chokehold has set alarm bells ringing across the bloc ahead of the winter season. At home, leaders are under increasing pressure to provide relief for households and industry. They have floated several ideas to make it happen, including a windfall tax. But the vastly different circumstances among member states – and the global nature of the phenomenon – mean that a "one-size-fits-all" solution will never be possible. The debate on energy will be followed by China, the EU budget and enlargement. Follow our live blog. ${title} What's on the agenda of the EU summit? This two-day summit is particularly packed when it comes to hot-button issues: energy, China, budget, enlargement, Ukraine, hybrid and migration are among the topics. Here's what to expect. EU leaders tackle energy prices, spar over budget and unite on Ukraine The two-day summit of EU leaders comes with a packed agenda topped by energy prices, the long-term budget and Russia’s war on Ukraine. Hybrid warfare, enlargem…