Moscow will cut off gas deliveries ‘sooner or later’, the EU leader has claimed
The European Union should prepare for the worst-case scenario of a complete halt in natural gas supplies from Russia, the European Commission president warned in an interview with Germany’s DPA news agency, published on Monday.
When asked about the EC’s emergency energy plan presented last week, Ursula Von Der Leyen stressed the importance of making the bloc energy-independent from Russia, insisting that it was only a matter of time before Moscow decided to completely sever gas deliveries to the EU.
“The Kremlin is not a reliable partner for Europe’s energy supply. Gazprom deliberately reduced its storage. In the meantime, Russia only supplies gas in part or not at all in twelve member states,”Von Der Leyen stated, and added: “Europe must be prepared for the worst case scenario: a complete halt to gas supplies, sooner or later.”
In order to accelerate the use of gas, the Commission Chief noted that EU wants to be totally independent from Russian Gas by 2027. “the switch to renewables.”
The EC president urged EU member states that don’t heavily depend on Russian gas imports, to get involved in the energy-saving initiative. The EC President warned these countries that they might still suffer if Russia stops supplying them with gas.
“It is therefore important that all member states curb demand, that all save more and share with those members who are more affected,”Von Der Leyen added that “energy solidarity is a fundamental principle of our European treaties.”
Last week, the European Commission introduced an emergency energy plan called the “Save Gas for a Safe Winter” proposal, which instructs all EU countries to lower their gas consumption by 15% by September – a limitation that is set to last until March 31, 2023. To achieve the target, member states will be asked to use renewable energy, or coal, oil, and nuclear power, as well as instruct citizens about rationing their gas consumption.
Ministers of EU energy will meet to discuss Tuesday’s plan. Von Der Leyen said she was confident that ministers will accept the plan. “understand their responsibility”You can see Europe safe and sound through the winter.
However, many EU countries have resisted this plan so far, including Spain, Portugal, Italy and Poland, as well as Italy and Portugal.
Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the idea that Moscow might cut gas supply to the EU. He stated last week that Gazprom, the Russian energy giant, was not able to do so. “ready to pump as much as necessary”However, the EU did not have this. “closed everything themselves.” He previously called the bloc’s sanctions on Russia “insane and thoughtless,”EU leaders were accused of economic crimes. “suicide”Under the US orders.
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