Berlin wants last-ditch changes to the landmark EU law spelling the demise of the combustion engine from 2035. It’s not a good look on the international stage, observers in Brussels warn.

In a bid to tackle the energy crisis, Dutch authorities have approved offshore drilling for gas in the North Sea. The first gas is set to be extracted in 2024, but the project has sparked controversy on the surrounding islands. Residents fear that drilling for gas will damage the exceptional biodiversity of the area, pollute the Waddenzee - a UNESCO world heritage site - and threaten the islands main source of income, tourism.

Economy Minister Robert Habeck said Germans are not using as much heating as the prior year, despite the cold winter.

Talks are taking place in Brussels on a proposal to set the ceiling for the price of Russian natural gas at €275 per megawatt hour. The plan has come under criticism from all sides for either being too complicated, too high or unnecessary.

Austria has launched legal action against Brussels over its classification of nuclear and gas-powered electricity generation as sustainable. Officials described the label as "irresponsible and unreasonable."

Russia burns off gas as Europe's energy bills rocket. As Europe's energy costs skyrocket, Russia is burning off large amounts of natural gas, according to analysis shared with BBC News. They say the plant, near the border with Finland, is burning an estimated $10m (£8.4m) worth of gas every day.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced a tax reduction on gas as the war in Ukraine drives up prices. Until 2024, the lower tax rate of 7% will be charged, not 19%. Scholz also promised more support for consumers.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he is calling Russia's bluff over a repaired turbine that Russia says is the reason for its decision to cut gas supplies. Moscow claims sanctions are stopping the part's delivery.

EU member states have agreed to cut back on the use of natural gas to protect themselves against any further supply cuts by Russia. EU energy ministers agreed that all EU countries should voluntarily cut gas use by 15% from August to March, compared with their average annual use during 2016-2021.

Energy ministers from the EU are to discuss a plan to cut gas use across the bloc amid fears Russia could stop supplies. But some say the current watered-down proposal will not be enough to prepare for winter.

Russia's Gazprom said it would again reduce gas deliveries through Nord Stream 1 by 20% for 'repairs,' cutting the current flow in half. The new blow to supply comes as Europe scrambles to store gas for winter.

There are fears in Germany that Russia could try to destabilize Europe by not restarting gas supplies after Nord Stream's temporary halt. How is Germany preparing? How are households coping with this energy crisis? DW’s Thomas Sparrow has the details.