The European Commission will ask Member States to extend the deadline. 15% voluntary reduction in gas demand next winter and will encourage both countries and companies to stop buying Russian natural gas and reject new contracts with Russia when existing contracts expire.
“A commitment not to renew existing contracts with Russia is the best course of action. give our trusted partners a long-term guarantee that significant demand will be maintainedKadri Simson, Member of the European Commission for Energy, made a statement this Thursday before the European Parliament Industry Committee, which also includes the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol.
Both appeared before parliamentarians Give an account of the situation in the energy market one year after the invasion of Russia. Ukraine, According to Simson, this caused “an enormous change in the European energy system.”
Since then, the commissioner explained, The aim of the European Union has been to try to get rid of Russian gas completely and “win the energy war” as soon as possible without losing sight of the security of supply.
Among the steps taken so farThe commissioner underlined that a voluntary 15% reduction in gas demand over the past five years is the “best guarantee”. In order to reach an adequate level of storage in November, he therefore advocated the extension of this measure, which expires on March 31.
Although you have emphasized that the EU is in ‘good position’ to end this winter without shortages and start the next replenishment season with ‘confidence’ and a “half-full” tank, Simson also warned that the EU should “play no illusions” that things are getting “easy”.
“This year and next year will also be difficult; there are still many uncertainties and we need to strike a healthy and prudent balance between supply and demand.” It had an impact, before advocating a “bolder” move for renewable energies and suggesting that it would launch a practical initiative to promote biomethane later this year.
In addition, Focused on the energy package that Brussels will present next week, which includes the net zero emissions industry law, regulation on critical raw materials and electricity market reform.
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), also warned in line with Simson. the “difficulties” it may pose for gas supplies, which the EU wishes not to fall into “overconfidence” next winter.