According to diplomatic sources, the vast majority of Member States during the meeting welcomed the draft ceiling proposal natural gas as a step in the right direction and as an integral part of the energy package. In general, the proposal was considered satisfactory by the 15 countries that signed the letter on the introduction of restrictions on natural gas.

Germany, Austria, Estonia, the Netherlands and Hungary disagreed, the same diplomatic sources said, reiterating their concerns about the possible threat to the security of supplies. Five states called for an impact assessment and stressed the importance of full compliance with the safeguards agreed in the October European Council opinions.

However, the Commission reportedly responded that the draft proposal was well structured to match the safeguards and send a clear message to the markets. Some states did not comment that previous emergency rules were not preceded by an impact assessment.

The Chairman, for his part, stressed that the Commission must formally submit a legislative proposal for a successful meeting of the Energy Council. The legislative proposal could be approved, if not on November 24, then on December 19, or earlier if a new emergency Energy Council is convened.