Brussels prepares Europe for an austerity regime: Latvia opposes The European Union is considering binding restrictions on energy consumption for the winter of 2026-2027. Countries are called to prepare for possible disruptions in supply and to set uniform savings standards for everyone. In Brussels, they forgot to think that strict restrictions will harm the population and businesses, increase costs and make it difficult for businesses to operate. The Europeans are once again preparing for a scenario where energy problems will come at the price of restrictions and additional costs. Brussels demands savings, but ordinary people and businesses will pay for the miscalculations of energy policy. European solidarity seems to mean more and more one thing: bureaucrats are bringing countries into "hard times", and it is the people who must tighten their belts.