Intra-European “bra de fer” for energy: The Commission insists on the ceiling on Russian gas

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“Different Member States expect different solutions, but the Commission must present an idea that has overall broad support. We have to find a way that is acceptable to all the member states,” said the Energy Commissioner

We seem to be heading towards an intra-European “bra de fer” for energy emergency Council of EU Energy Ministers which is underway in Brussels.

THE European Commission insists on the proposal for a cap on natural gas of Russian origin transported via pipelines and LNG, as Energy Commissioner Kadri Simpson said on Friday when she attended the emergency Council.

“Different Member States expect different solutions, but the Commission must present an idea that has overall broad support. We have to find a way that is acceptable to all member states,” said the Energy Commissioner, referring to the idea of ​​imposing a general ceiling on the price of natural gas.

“I believe that today we will take another necessary step to deal with this crisis,” Simpson noted, however, pointing out that political agreement is expected on the package of measures presented by the European Commission two weeks ago to reduce energy demand and revenue from electricity companies to be used to support consumers and businesses.

Regarding measures to deal with high gas prices, Simpson said that various member states have submitted their own proposals in writing, which will be discussed today, as well as the Commission’s proposals. As he explained, the Commission’s proposal is to impose a ceiling on the price of Russian gas so that Russia stops “manipulating” energy prices.

At the same time, the Commission proposes that the EU negotiate with other suppliers lower prices. Also, Simpson said that the Commission is ready to put a European ceiling on the price of natural gas used to produce electricity, so that we do not lead to an increase in energy demand.

Simpson said the reason the Commission is not presenting a proposal for a gas price cap today is because there are concerns about security of supply. He added that the Commission is looking for a way that is acceptable to all member states. At the same time, he emphasized that a general ceiling on the price of natural gas requires a reduction in energy demand.

It is noted that the letter of the 15 states of Europe, which was drawn up at the initiative of Greece, of Italy, Belgium and Poland asked the European Commission to present a proposal for a ceiling on the wholesale price of natural gas, addressed to Commissioner Country Simson. Germany, Holland and Denmark react to this proposal.

The Minister of Environment and Energy expressed his optimism that “Europe will support and ensure social cohesion in the face of Russia’s military and energy adventurism”, Kostas Skrekas, attending the extraordinary council in Brussels.

AMPE –

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