EU countries urged to cut taxes to help residents cope with high energy prices

European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson speaks during a media conference on energy prices (Virginia Mayo/AP)

The European Union’s executive branch has advised the 27 member countries to adopt tax cuts, state aid and other measures to help households and businesses weather the impact of high energy prices.

After months of economic instability linked to the coronavirus pandemic, the European Commission wants a rapid and joint response to mitigate the effects of the price hikes, especially for people living in poverty or on low incomes.