Amid a worsening energy crisis, European citizens have nothing left but to brace for the cold winter ahead. Some far-sighted European officials sound the alarm saying that this winter might not be the last harsh period for Europe. Thus, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo warned that the next 5 to 10 winters would be difficult. During a planned visit to the port of Zeebrugge, the official said that the country would face long-term economic hardship due to soaring energy costs. However, De Croo believes that Belgium will cope with these challenges. “A very difficult situation is developing throughout Europe. Some sectors are facing serious difficulties with these high energy prices,” the Prime Minister added. “We are monitoring the situation closely, but we must be clear: the next few months will be difficult, the next winters will be difficult. We will have to get out of it hoping for the best while preparing for the worst. And if the situation proves ultimately better than expected, it will still have been beneficial to have been prepared,” De Croo told the press. According to Nord Pool, average day-ahead electricity wholesale prices went above €600 per megawatt-hour in some European countries, including Belgium.
