The Commission’s proposal to reduce consumption does not agree with Greece and other European governments – Mitsotakis intervention that can provide a solution
Energy crisis… An abstract concept, an exaggeration of the Europeans, or a nightmare scenario that will really test the foundations of the European Union? And what could the outbreak of a new crisis mean? Experts speak of many lost jobs and domino effects on the economy and society. Europeans, however, appear divided, as not everyone agrees with the Commission’s proposal for a 15% reduction in natural gas consumption, while Kyriakos Mitsotakis offers a way out, submitting a new proposal in a letter to Ursula von der Leyen.
Just six days after the end of “maintenance work” on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline and the resumption of gas exports to the West – albeit at only 40% of the pipeline’s capacity – Gazprom announced a further reduction in flows. And even by half. From Wednesday the pipeline will operate at only 20% of its capacity, transporting 33 million cubic meters of natural gas per day. According to Gazprom the new reduction is due to the repair of one more turbine in the pipeline.
What could this mean? Perhaps it is the harbinger of a difficult winter. No one is able to estimate the exact magnitude of the consequences of a complete stoppage of natural gas flows from Russia to Europe. The scenarios, however, are nightmarish. European industry will be tested, prices will skyrocket, filling gaps will be difficult, time-consuming
Angry reaction on Monday night from Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Hambeck: “(Russian President) Putin is playing a sneaky game,” Hambeck told the German News Agency (dpa). “His strategy is obvious. He wants to weaken the great support for Ukraine, while at the same time dividing our society. It feeds insecurity and raises prices. We will respond to him with determination and concerted action.” Earlier, a spokesman for the economy ministry in Berlin said that “according to our information there is no apparent technical reason to justify the reduction of the flow”.
The Commission insists on cuts
On Monday morning, speaking to the German News Agency (dpa), Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that Europe “should be prepared for the worst possible case, i.e. the complete cessation of flows”, as “it is obvious that the Kremlin is not a reliable partner for ensuring energy supply”. For this reason, he points out that “by March next year we will have to save 15% of the current consumption of natural gas, that is 45 billion cubic meters. And we want to start right away, because the faster we act, the more savings we will make.” Essentially, the head of the European Commission is emphatically re-establishing the “emergency plan” for the energy crisis, despite the strong reactions it causes in more than ten EU member states.
Ahead of the emergency meeting of EU energy ministers on Tuesday in Brussels, Ursula von der Leyen recalls the goal of complete independence from Russian natural gas by 2027. “With the help of REPowerEU we want to invest 300 billion euros to save natural gas and the transition to renewable energy sources,” he says. “At the same time, we are moving forward with new agreements with more reliable partners, such as the US and Norway.” Regarding the proposal of several European governments to put a ceiling on the price of imported natural gas, Ursula von der Leyen said that it is “under consideration” by the Commission.
“Why should the Spanish save on natural gas?”
However, the dpa journalist points out the objections that many member states have expressed to the Commission’s energy plan: “Hungary has already banned natural gas exports, making it clear that in the event of a crisis it will not participate in a European solidarity mechanism. Can Prime Minister Viktor Orbán be forced to do the opposite? And how do you explain to the Spanish, for example, that they need to conserve natural gas when Germany, despite past warnings, has become dependent on Russia for energy?”
Ursula von der Leyen’s response: “It is true that some member states are more and others less affected by the interruption of Russian gas supplies. However, in a single European market, even member states that do not import Russian natural gas cannot ignore the consequences of a possible interruption in energy supply. (…) Our economies are closely interconnected. A natural gas crisis would affect every member state. That is why it is important that all member states curb demand, store (natural gas) and share it with those most affected.”
Germany seems to support the Commission’s energy plan. Professional associations such as the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Association of German Mechanical Equipment Manufacturers (VDMA) express their support. However, many member states, including France, express serious reservations. On Monday afternoon, information from the Reuters agency from Brussels spoke of imminent changes to the Commission’s initial proposal, with the aim of maintaining the 15% saving target, but at the same time foreseeing exceptions.
DW, Skai.gr
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