Wojciech Wrochna, Poland’s Secretary of State at the Energy Ministry, has emphasized the need for “flexibility,” whereas the European Commission insists on a unified approach.

In a discussion with Euronews’ flagship morning show Europe Today, Poland’s energy secretary Wojciech Wrochna highlighted that EU capitals ought to lead the response to the energy crisis, despite the European Commission’s efforts to maintain a consolidated strategy.

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“A coordinated crisis response remains essential, yet the initiatives should be driven by capitals,” Wrochna remarked. To date, the EU has examined contingency policies on a national level, even though fiscal capacities for aids and subsidies differ substantially among member states, alongside broader Brussels-led proposals.

EU energy commissioner Dan Jørgensen cautioned member states this week that energy prices could stay high even if a peace agreement is reached in Iran, urging governments to brace for “potentially extended disruptions.”

On Tuesday, EU energy ministers convened via videoconference to explore potential measures to counteract soaring energy costs; however, no collective decision was achieved.

Jørgensen mentioned that countries might consider demand reduction strategies, expanding on recommendations from the International Energy Agency, which suggested actions like fuel rationing, telecommuting, and even car-free Sundays — an approach last used during the 1970s energy crisis. Oil and gas prices in the EU have surged by 70% and 50%, respectively.

Recognizing the “varied conditions” across the EU, Jørgensen indicated that each member state will ultimately tailor its own response to this “critical situation,” while cautioning against competing for resources or outbidding one another.

Wrochna urged the European Commission to adopt “flexibility,” pointing out that ministers have proposed “different strategies,” including those from Warsaw.

On Tuesday, Poland implemented a fuel price cap at petrol stations to maintain stable pump prices and curb excessive markups.

This measure forms part of a broader package, including a VAT reduction on fuel from 23% to 8%, along with cuts to excise duties and other levies aligned with the EU minimum.

Warsaw states these initiatives will offer immediate, tangible relief for motorists while preventing speculative price hikes. The government has warned fuel stations against exploiting the crisis, indicating that further regulatory steps could be taken if necessary.

A windfall tax on fuel companies might be introduced should excessive profits be detected.

Wrochna emphasized that responses must be tailored to each country’s context. Measures such as curbing car use might be easy to adopt in nations with strong cycling traditions but are less practical in cities like Warsaw, where weather conditions restrict such options.

Poland is not alone in acting. A week ago, Slovenia became the first EU country to adopt a fuel rationing policy.

Meanwhile, Spain has cut VAT on fuels from 21% to 10%. Austria has similarly reduced fuel taxes and imposed limits on retailer profit margins, mirroring Germany’s proposal which includes capping fuel price increases to once per day.

The European Commission is expected to soon introduce a “toolbox” of measures.