The European Commission is urging Member States to consider extending the deadline for actions and to pursue a targeted 15% voluntary reduction in gas demand for the next winter. The aim is to encourage both governments and companies to avoid Russia’s natural gas and to refrain from renewing contracts with Russia once current deals end.
Kadri Simson, a Member of the European Commission for Energy, stated before the European Parliament Industry Committee, where Fatih Birol, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, also provided remarks. Their appearance was to brief lawmakers on the state of the energy market one year after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Simson noted that the conflict brought a dramatic shift to the European energy system.
Since that moment, the EU has pursued a strategy to phase out Russian gas entirely and to win the energy security challenge swiftly while maintaining reliable supply. Simson highlighted that the voluntary 15% reduction in gas demand over the past five years stands as the strongest guarantee of resilience. He advocated extending this measure to ensure adequate storage levels by November as the current agreement nears its March 31 expiration.
While emphasizing that the EU is in a strong position to finish the winter without shortages and to begin the next replenishment cycle with confidence, Simson cautioned against any illusion that the process will be easy. He underscored the need for realism about the challenges ahead and the importance of balancing supply and demand with prudence.
This year and the next are expected to present obstacles due to ongoing uncertainties. A healthy, pragmatic balance between energy supply and consumption will be essential. Simson suggested taking a bold step toward renewable energy and outlined a practical initiative to promote biomethane later in the year. He also signaled that Brussels plans to reveal an energy package next week featuring a net zero emissions regime for industry, regulations on critical raw materials, and reforms to the electricity market.
Fatih Birol, the IEA’s Executive Director, echoed concerns about potential difficulties in gas supply and warned against overconfidence for the coming winter. Both speakers aligned on the need to maintain careful planning and not underestimate the resilience requirements of the European energy system as it adjusts to reduced dependence on Russian gas.