- Sputnik International, 1920
Energy Crisis in Europe
Europe is bracing for tough winter as US-led push to “punish” Moscow for its military operation in Ukraine backfired on the EU, which has faced months of skyrocketing energy prices and rising inflation after Brussels joined Washington in attempting to “phase out” Russian oil, coal and gas.

EU Member States Intending to Demand Exemptions From Plans to Reduce Gas Demand - Reports

© AP Photo / Virginia MayoFILE- In this June 23, 2016 file photo, a worker on a lift adjusts the EU flags in front of EU headquarters in Brussels
FILE- In this June 23, 2016 file photo, a worker on a lift adjusts the EU flags in front of EU headquarters in Brussels - Sputnik International, 1920, 24.07.2022
Subscribe
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - EU member states are intending to demand exceptions from the European Commission's proposal to cut demand for natural gas by 15% during the next eight months, the Financial Times reported on Sunday, citing a draft document.
On Wednesday, the EU Commission proposed new coordinated measures to reduce gas demand in EU member states, including the introduction of initially voluntary goals to reduce gas demand by 15% between August 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023, which corresponds to 45 billion cubic meters of gas.
EU member states said that binding targets should be set based on the extent of dependence of each country on Russian supplies and the volumes of gas already delivered to storage facilities, according to the document cited by the media outlet. In addition, EU countries reportedly believe that those able to supply gas to others should be allowed to cut demand by less then 15%. A number of industries considered critical to the EU common market should also be not subject to strong requirements, EU countries said.
"Member states should be free to choose the appropriate measures to reach the demand reduction," the draft document read, as quoted by the Financial Times.
A British military instructor trains Ukrainian service members to use the next generation light anti-tank weapon, NLAW, supplied by Britain, in Lviv, Ukraine, in this handout picture released January 25, 2022 - Sputnik International, 1920, 28.02.2022
Russia's Special Operation in Ukraine
European Union Determined to Further Increase Military Aid to Ukraine, Borrell Says
In accordance with the draft exemptions, not less than five EU countries have to sign a request to the European Commission to make the guidance mandatory, while the majority of member states will also have to support this requirement.
On February 24, Russia began a military operation in Ukraine, responding to calls for help from the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk. The West and its allies have responded by imposing comprehensive sanctions against Russia, with the EU pledging to end its dependence on Russian energy supplies. The bloc has already approved seven packages of sanctions against Moscow, including a gradual phase-out of Russian oil.
Western sanctions have resulted in disruptions of supply chains and a spike in energy prices worldwide. Russia's Gazprom has been forced to significantly reduce its Nord Stream 1 gas supplies due to delays in maintenance work on turbines by German and Canadian companies and technical malfunctions of engines. As a consequence, EU countries had to tap into their winter gas reserves.
Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала