The leaders of the European Union countries discussed in detail the problem of high energy prices, but due to disagreements they could not formulate a final statement on this topic, Charles Michel, President of the European Council said, Interfax reports.

"We have had quite lengthy discussions about energy. This is a very serious topic, it affects households, purchasing power, as well as the competitiveness of European businesses," Michel said during a press conference on Friday night following the EU leaders' summit.

"During the discussions, diverging views were expressed, so we were unable to reach agreement on final points regarding this topic," he added.

The European Council was to discuss recent changes in energy prices in the light of preliminary reports prepared by the Agency for Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).

In particular, the summit participants were going to touch upon the topic of whether there is speculation in the European energy markets.

Meanwhile, the spot price of gas in Europe soared above $ 1,700 per thousand cubic meters on Thursday evening after updating the weather forecast in the region to more severe values.

The updated weather forecast promises cold weather for Europe from the beginning of next week: a continuous decrease in temperatures throughout the week and its lower values ​​than previously expected.

It is not excluded that the further increase in gas prices will be affected by the news of a further delay in the start of gas supplies via the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.  On Thursday, the head of the German Federal Network Agency Bundesnetzagentur Jochen Homann said that a decision on certification of Nord Stream 2 in the first half of 2022 should not be expected.  The process, in his opinion, will take more time.