The European Commission understands that there is an ongoing debate on this issue, which is of crucial importance to the economies of the bloc, which will take place in the Energy Council
In light of a possible cessation of gas supply by Russia, a European response will be needed. That’s how the European Commission defended it this Friday, after reactions from countries like Spain that rejected Brussels’ plan to save 15% on gas until March. “We understand that there will be an intense debate because energy is a critical issue for all member states, but if the pandemic and the war have shown anything, it is that we need to launch a European response,” the Community Executive spokesperson defended. Eric Mamer.
This important debate will take place next week during the Energy Council to be held in Brussels, where countries will be able to present their position on the voluntary reductions proposed by the board of Ursula von der Leyen. “It takes a lot, but we have to do it. By saving energy now, less harsh measures can be applied in the future,” said the German on Wednesday at the presentation of the proposal.
The main aim of the plan is to fill Europe’s gas reserves, which currently stand at 74%, more quickly to ensure supplies for the next two winters. However, several countries were against an adjustment in their consumption. The governments of Greece and Portugal joined the Spaniards in ensuring that this measure is “unsustainable” and “disproportionate”. Greece has even indicated that “it will do everything possible” not to adopt it. Spain, for its part, will attend the energy meeting with a counter-offer in terms of solidarity and will propose to increase its gas exports to the maximum in order to avoid a 15% adjustment in consumption.
The first preparatory meeting for the council next week served to confirm the rejection of the plan by southern countries, including Italy, Cyprus and Malta. Also from Poland and Hungary, who expect it will be difficult to reach the qualified majority needed to approve the Brussels plan.
Source: La Verdad
I am an experienced and passionate journalist with a strong track record in news website reporting. I specialize in technology coverage, breaking stories on the latest developments and trends from around the world. Working for Today Times Live has given me the opportunity to write thought-provoking pieces that have caught the attention of many readers.
