IMF to EU: Target Energy Aid Better, Stop Price Manipulation

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a stark warning to European Union governments regarding their approach to the energy price crisis. Helge Berger, Deputy Director of the IMF's European department, stated that many EU capitals have failed to implement sufficiently targeted measures to protect households and businesses most affected by soaring energy costs. He specifically called out the practice of manipulating energy prices, arguing that such interventions often do more harm than good and do not address the root of the problem.

Berger highlighted that while some measures have been taken, a significant portion of the support provided in 2022 was not well-targeted, leading to distorted prices or benefiting those who did not need it. The IMF's analysis indicates that current subsidies, if not carefully designed, disproportionately favor the wealthiest segments of the population over the poorest. For instance, electricity subsidies could see the richest benefiting up to 20% more than the poorest, and transport fuel subsidies could benefit the richest by 34% compared to 9% for the poorest.

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Većina vlada je, na ovaj ili onaj način, manipulisala cenama energije, što je put kojim nije trebalo da ide. Dakle... ako se situacija nastavi, moramo bolje da ciljamo

While acknowledging that Europe has become more resilient to energy price shocks due to increased energy efficiency and a cleaner energy mix, the IMF stressed that these shocks still negatively impact the economy. The fund's recommendation is clear: governments must shift from broad price manipulation to direct, targeted support for those genuinely struggling. This approach, the IMF argues, will ensure that aid reaches those most in need without distorting market signals or exacerbating the problem.

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Već svako povećanje cena energije i dalje je loše za ekonomiju ali nije toliko loše kao što je bilo nekada