Filenews 20 July 2022
The Commission has proposed a voluntary target for European Union countries to reduce their gas use by 15% by March, warning them that without major cuts now, they could struggle with fuel during the winter if Russia cuts off its gas supply.
The target could be made binding by law if Russia cuts off gas supplies to Europe.
It foresees that the proposal concerns the reduction of gas use by 15% from August to March, compared to the average consumption of the corresponding period in the period 2016-2021.
The Commission could make the target mandatory if it says there is a substantial risk of a serious gas shortage in the European Union.
The proposal needs approval by a qualified majority of EU countries. Diplomats from EU countries are due to discuss the proposal on Friday, only to approve it at the meeting of EU countries' energy ministers on July 26th.
The plan has already met with opposition from some countries, which consider that their contingency plans do not need a boost from the EU. Countries need to update their gas plans by the end of September to also present how they plan to achieve the EU's target.
Among those reacting to the EU's mandatory targets is Poland, which has filled its gas depots to 98% of their capacity, following the shutdown from Russia to Poland in April. Other fuel depots are less crowded, with that of Hungary, for example, standing at 47%.
But EU officials say it is critical to ensure that all countries act now, rather than waiting when Russia cuts supply.
"If we wait, it will be more expensive and it will mean that we will dance to the rhythm of Russia," one diplomat said.
Brussels has proposed measures that governments can take to reduce the use of gas, including auctions for compensation to industries that reduce the use of gas and lower the temperature of heating and cooling in public buildings.
Households are classified as "protected consumers" under EU rules and will be protected from such reductions.
In fact, the Commission stresses that governments will have to decide the order in which to force non-essential industrial sectors to close, in the event of an emergency for gas supplies.
Von der Leyen: Russia blackmails us
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said there is a possible scenario that there will be a complete disruption of gas supply from Russia, and this is something that would affect the whole EU.
"We will be able to make it through the winter even with the proposed reduction in gas use by 15%. Energy solidarity is a basic principle of our Treaty," von der Leyen added.
"Russia is blackmailing us. Russia is using energy as a weapon. And therefore, in any case, whether it is a partial, large cut in Russian gas or a complete interruption of its flow, Europe must be ready," he told a news conference.
Source: Capital.gr
