-- Average household electricity prices across the European Union were broadly stable in the second half of 2025, inching up slightly to 28.96 euros ($33.87) per 100 kilowatt hours from 28.79 euros in the first half of the year, according to data released Tuesday by Eurostat.
Despite the relative stability, prices remain significantly higher than levels seen before the 2022 energy crisis, it added.
The marginal increase in the latter half of 2025 was driven primarily by rising taxes and levies. These climbed to 0.0837 euros per kWh from 0.0804 euros earlier in the year and accounted for a larger share of final bills, rising to 28.9% from 27.9%. The higher tax burden more than offset a slight decline in pre-tax electricity prices, resulting in a modest overall increase for consumers.
Prices varied widely across EU member states. Ireland recorded the highest household electricity prices at 40.42 euros per 100 kWh, followed by Germany at 38.69 and Belgium at 34.99 euros. At the other end of the scale, Hungary reported the lowest prices at 10.82 euros, followed by Malta at 12.82 and Bulgaria at 13.55 euros.
While EU-wide averages remained steady, several countries experienced sharp changes at the national level when measured in local currencies. Romania saw the largest increase, with prices surging 58.6% compared with the same period in 2024. Austria and Ireland also posted significant rises of 34.3% and 32.7%, respectively. In contrast, Cyprus, France, and Denmark recorded notable declines of 14.7%, 12.5%, and 11.9%.
When adjusted for purchasing power standards, Romania had the highest electricity prices at 49.52 euros per 100 kWh, followed by Czechia with 38.65 euros and Poland with 37.15 euros. The lowest PPS-adjusted prices were observed in Malta at 14.09 euros, in Hungary at 15.10 euros, and in Finland at 18.77 euros.