European Union leaders backed the idea of member states joining forces to buy natural gas to address the challenge of reducing energy dependence on Russia while protecting Europeans from spiraling energy costs and said that the EU purchasing platform would be open to the Western Balkans as well.

“The main reason for the high electricity prices is the high gas prices. The energy mix in European countries is different, but we need a common European approach. As much as 75% of the global pipeline gas market is connected to the European market and that is why we have high purchasing power. Therefore, we will use the common position in the negotiations instead of competing with each other and raising prices,” said EC President Ursula von der Leyen.