The European Union is set to submit proposals Tuesday that would lead the bloc to cut its dependence on Russian gas.
A series of emergency measures is to be proposed by the European Commission as the bloc reacts to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Russia’s invasion of its neighbor has given rise to a sense of urgency in this EU effort, not only because Russian gas reaches the bloc via Ukrainian territory, but also because of fears that the Kremlin could cut off supplies.
EU aims to be independent of Russian gas “within years”
In 2019, Russian gas accounted for 41% of the bloc’s imports, and the head of the EU Green Pact, Frans Timmermans, told the European Parliament on Monday afternoon that the proposals, which have been largely revised in the days since President Vladimir Putin has sent Russian troops to Ukraine, which could make the EU independent of Russian gas “within years”.
The EU is looking for new energy sources, especially liquefied natural gas (LNG). According to the DPA news agency, talks are under way between the EU and major LNG buyers, such as Japan, South Korea, China and India, to divert excess supplies to Europe by sea.
Russia threatens to cut supply to Europe
On the eve of the European Commission’s announcement on Tuesday, Russian Vice President Alexander Novak countered EU efforts to contain Moscow, saying he had “full right” to impose an embargo on gas supplies via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline in response to Germany’s decision to stop Nord Stream 2.
Novak said the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which carries Russian gas to Germany via the Baltic Sea, was “being used at most 100%.” Novak also warned that a ban on Russian energy imports would have “catastrophic” consequences for Europe. .
“No one will benefit from this,” Novak told Russian state television. “Although European politicians are pushing us to this with their statements and accusations against Russia,” he added.
German Chancellor Olaf Solz said that although Berlin had backed tough measures against Moscow, Russian energy supplies remained “essential” to everyday life in Europe.
“Europe’s energy supply for heating, mobility, electricity and industry can not be secured otherwise at this time,” Scholz said in a statement.
Russia is Germany’s largest gas supplier, currently accounting for 38% of imports, according to government statistics. Natural gas accounts for about one-fifth of German energy production.
All the options for sanctions are on the table, says the Dutch Foreign Minister
On Tuesday morning, Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra told reporters that more sanctions were possible.
“No measure is out of bounds for the Netherlands, including energy,” Hoekstra said.
“It is extremely important that we take into account the position of all our European allies, some of whom are much more dependent on oil and gas than the Netherlands. Others should also be able to bear the burden,” he added.
The Kremlin has warned that oil prices could soar if the West tightens economic sanctions on Russia by banning energy imports.
jsi / rt (dpa, Reuters)
Add Comment