The worst is the situation in Cyprus and Bulgaria, where between 40% and 50% of low-income workers have heating problems. In ten European countries, the situation has worsened even more over the last ten years. The trade union Dome sees an additional argument for legally setting minimum wages at a minimum of 60% of median income (half being higher, half lower) and at least 50% of average income per member state.
In the debate on the State of the Union by President Von der Leyen last Wednesday, many MEPs also drew attention to the rapidly rising energy prices. EU Climate Commissioner Frans Timmermans said on that occasion that the current price increases are 80% related to market developments and 20% to climate policy. But he also said that member states themselves could compensate for the effects of rising energy prices by, for example, a surcharge policy or lower VAT.