European Union countries have failed to agree on a unified response to the steep rise in energy prices, as entrenched divisions marked an emergency meeting between member states.
France and Spain want fundamental reform of the energy market but other countries say the price surge is temporary and does not require deep-rooted changes.
Gas prices in Europe have increased 170 per cent since the start of the year.
At the meeting in Luxembourg, ministers agreed "we should not rush into rash decisions", European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson said.
"There was no agreed position on whether or not intervention measures should be adopted at the EU level and applied in all member states," said Slovenian Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec, whose country holds the EU presidency.
Spain has argued for joint gas purchases by EU countries and a maximum gas price. Its Energy Minister, Sara Aagesen Munoz, said the price surge was "an extraordinary and urgent situation that requires urgent action".
However, 11 countries including Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden backed a statement that opposed fundamental changes to the market.
Ms Simson said there was "broad consensus" that the current price hike was temporary and "caused by the extraordinary global gas demand – not our market design".
The surge has been blamed on a rapid rise in demand for energy after the loosening of Covid-19 restrictions.
"There is no denying that the current market situation puts Europe under pressure," she said.
But the EU must focus on its ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2050, she said, requiring heavier investment in renewable sources.
"Changing the current model poses risks to market predictability, competitiveness and our clean energy transition," Ms Simson said.
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Why seagrass matters
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
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Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
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Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
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Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
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Bio Box
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
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Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
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