As soon as the European Commission presented its gas emergency plan on Wednesday, there was already criticism. Austrian climate protection minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) described it as an “important step”, but plans for joint gas procurement are still vague. NEOS member Claudia Gamon said the Commission is only extinguishing fires with the plan rather than preventing them accordingly.
As reported, the European Commission wants to force Member States to save gas in an emergency. For this to happen, at least three states or the EU commission must fear acute security of supply emergencies. It is up to the individual states to decide which concrete measures they will then take to save gas or achieve the target. “Russia uses gas as a weapon. We need to address our energy security at EU level,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on Twitter.
There was immediate resistance from Poland. Reactions from Austria are also rather restrained. Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) spoke of an “important step” and reasonable proposals, but also of vague plans for joint gas purchasing and too little speed.
Gamon: “Lack of commitment and plan”
NEOS MEP Claudia Gamon believes Austria has “little commitment and little plan”. The European Commission’s proposal was too short-sighted. “The Commission is putting out fires here instead of tackling energy infrastructure or gas market legislative projects.” To reduce dependence on natural gas and combat climate change, it is necessary to modernize the market.
“Climate crisis worsens every day”
Representatives of the Chamber of Labor (AK) and environmental organizations have also criticized the European Commission’s proposal. For example, the AK said that much is currently being said and monitored in Austria, but little is being carried out. An energy saving campaign and a new energy efficiency law are needed. In addition, the electricity price is decoupled from the gas market.
“We must stop any waste of energy,” says Hanna Simons of the environmental organization WWF. “As the EU prepares gas contingency plans, the climate crisis is getting worse every day. Burning fossil fuels requires an emergency brake,” said Global 2000 energy spokesman Johannes Wahlmüller.
Source: Krone
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