European ministers have stressed the importance of showing “unity” in the EU in the face of Moscow’s “energy blackmail”.
Euskaraz irakurri: EBk gas-kontsumoa murriztea adostu du negura begira
European Union Energy Ministers have reached a political agreement Tuesday on a plan to cut gas consumption ahead of the winter, in light of the threat of a total supply freeze by Russia.
During the meeting, Member States have agreed to reduce their gas demand by 15% compared to your average usage over the past five years between August 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023.
The political agreement did not require unanimity, but the support of a qualified majority, that is to say, from 15 countries that together make up 65% of the population. Spain, for its part, has supported the plan, but exclude the 15% discount. “I’m counting on us to have a reduction target. Not 15%, but significantly lower.”, declared Spain’s third vice president and minister for the ecological transition, Teresa Ribera. The minister also added that if the plan is a solidarity package, several measures should be “combined” so that “those who need it have access to energy”.
Nevertheless, the Council specified: some exemptions and possibilities to request an exception to the target mandatory reduction, to take into account the specific situation of Member States and to ensure that gas reductions are effective to increase security of supply in the EU.
In particular, it is agreed that: Member States that are not connected to the gas networks of other countries are exempt from mandatory gas reductionsas they would not be able to release significant amounts of pipeline gas for the benefit of others.
Also be exempt countries whose electrical networks are not synchronized with the European electrical system and rely heavily on gas for electricity production, in order to avoid the risk of an electricity supply crisis.
In addition, states can request an exception to adjust their demand reduction obligations if they have limited connections to other countries and they can demonstrate that their export capabilities or their domestic liquefied natural gas infrastructure are being fully exploited to divert gas to others.
Finally, one more exception can be requested if they have exceeded their gas storage filling targets, if they rely heavily on gas as a feedstock for critical industries, or if their gas consumption has increased by at least 8% in the past year. the average of the past five years.
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Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
