UpdateThe European Commission’s plans to save gas are met with resistance from a large number of member states. Some find it unfair that they have to cut as much as other EU countries. Others complain that the committee takes too much initiative.
The day-to-day management of the European Union wants Member States to consume 15 percent less natural gas than average. This is to prepare for a possible supply stop by Russia. If EU countries do not meet these targets and the need is met, then mandatory targets may be set.
Greece, among others, opposes the proposals. Greek Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas explained in a radio interview that about 70 percent of the gas that Greece imports is used for electricity production and that a 15 percent cut would most likely lead to disruptions in household power supplies. and companies. In addition, the minister does not agree with the mandatory nature of the savings plan. A government spokesman added that the target of 15 percent cuts for Greece is unacceptable. Greece is said to have already made a lot of efforts to save gas.
Resistance in the Mediterranean
Skrekas says he is not alone. Several countries are said to be against the European Commission’s plan. Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Malta and Cyprus would also have objections, according to the minister. Poland and Hungary also expressed reservations earlier. If they vote against, the plans will not go ahead. They require a majority of 15 Member States, which together make up more than 65 percent of all EU citizens.
The ambassadors of the EU countries will discuss the energy emergency plans on Friday. On Tuesday, the energy ministers will discuss them at a scheduled meeting in Brussels.
Vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans already took into account resistance in countries such as Spain and Portugal on Wednesday. They hardly use Russian gas and a lot of renewable energy. Or from Member States that have already significantly reduced energy consumption in recent years and will therefore have to make more effort to save another 15 percent on top of that.
As European Commissioner, the Dutch Timmermans is responsible for the European Green Deal and for anchoring the objective of climate neutrality by 2050 in the first European climate law.
Less gas from Russia
The Russian state gas group Gazprom has sharply reduced the supply of gas to EU countries in recent months. The company no longer transports gas to, among others, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Poland and Finland, formally because those countries refuse to pay in rubles. Large-scale consumer Germany has long been receiving about 40 percent of the normal amount of Russian gas via the important gas pipeline Nord Stream 1. Due to maintenance, the pipeline was completely closed, but as of today, limited gas is flowing through again.
See also: European Commission wants to curb gas consumption by 15 percent
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