Gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria from neighboring European countries announced Commission President Ursula von der Leyenreacting to Moscow’s decision to suspend gas sales to Warsaw and Sofia.
The case of Bulgaria also concerns Greece, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to announce in essence the aid to the neighboring country, before convening an extraordinary meeting in Maximos.
Ursula von der Leyen referred to the need for solidarity between the member states of the European Union, which will meet the gas needs of both Poland and Bulgaria.
It comes as no surprise that the Kremlin uses fossil fuels to blackmail us.
This is something the @EU_Commission has been preparing for, with Member States and international partners.
Our response will be immediate, united and coordinated.
https://t.co/hUc7DzGfd5
– Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 27, 2022
The President of the Commission stressed that the efforts are continuing in order to ensure the needs for natural gas for the next period and referred to moves that will accelerate the “green” energy production, so that Europe will reduce its dependence on coal sources and in particular from Russian sources.
Mrs. Von der Layen sent a “message” to Vladimir Putin as wellsaying that he failed in his attempt to divide the Europeans, stressing that Europe is moving forward with energy and will take care to get rid of the Russian sources as soon as possible.
The President of the European Commission stated that “It was not surprising that Moscow tried to blackmail us, using its carbon resources,” but “Europe was also prepared to work with its members and partners.”to address the problem.
The statements of the President of the Commission are more detailed:
First, we will ensure that Gazprom’s decisions have the least possible impact on European consumers. The EU Coordination Group on Gas met today, during which Poland and Bulgaria briefed on the situation. Both countries receive gas from their neighbors in the EU. This shows the solidarity between us, but also the effectiveness of past investments, such as interconnections and other gas infrastructure.
Second, the Commission will continue its work to ensure adequate gas supply and storage in the medium term, von der Leyen said. The European Action Plan REPowerEU will help us significantly reduce our dependence on Russian fossil fuels, starting this year. We have also secured an agreement with the US for the supply of additional liquefied natural gas (LNG), this year and in the coming years. We will work hand in hand with Member States to secure alternative sources of gas supply from other partners. The Commission will present the plan to accelerate the green transition in mid-May.
Russia’s latest offensive reminds us that we need to work with credible partners and build our energy independence. The French Presidency will convene an EU Council of Energy Ministers as soon as possible. The Kremlin again failed in its attempt to divide the member states. “The era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe is coming to an end.”
Violation of sanctions the payment in rubles
Asked about the ruble payments from some Russian gas importers, Ursula von der Leyen said it was a “violation” of sanctions against Moscow. “About 97% of all contracts provide for payments in dollars or euros. It is clear that Russia’s request to be paid in rubles is a unilateral decision and does not comply with the contracts. “Companies with such contracts should not give in to Russia’s demands, which would be a violation of high-risk sanctions for companies,” he said.
Concluding her speech, Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU is working intensively on the 6th package of sanctions, which will include the issue of oil, and is expected to be approved soon. He also stressed that the current move by the Kremlin is a move that hits itself, the Russian economy, because it is losing significant revenue.
Europe reacted immediately to Moscow’s moves
Earlier, Europe had announced a coordinated response in Moscow after interruption of the flow of Russian gas to Bulgaria and Poland.
Its president European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen had spoken that Europe is prepared to respond to Russia’s blackmail with natural gas.
“Europeans can count on us remaining united and in solidarity with the affected Member States”emphasizes the President of the Commission.
Gazprom’s announcement is another attempt by Russia to blackmail us with gas.
We are prepared for this scenario. We are mapping out our coordinated EU response.
Europeans can trust that we stand united and in solidarity with the Member States impacted.
– Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 27, 2022
In particular, the President of the Commission states in her statement:
“Gazprom ‘s announcement that it is unilaterally stopping the delivery of natural gas to customers in Europe is another attempt by Russia to use natural gas as a means of blackmail. This is unjustified and unacceptable. And it shows once again the unreliability of Russia as a gas supplier.
“We are prepared for this scenario. We are in close contact with all Member States. We are working to ensure alternative deliveries and the best possible storage levels across the EU. Member States have implemented emergency plans for such a scenario and we have worked with them in coordination and solidarity.
“At the moment, a meeting of the coordination group for natural gas is taking place. We are planning our coordinated response in the EU.
“We will also continue to work with international partners to ensure alternative flows. And I will continue to work with European and world leaders to ensure security of energy supply in Europe.
“Europeans can be confident that we are united and in full solidarity with the affected Member States in the face of this new challenge. “Europeans can count on our full support.”
Russian gas end in Poland and Bulgaria
THE Russian energy giant Gazprom announced today that it suspended them gas deliveries in Bulgaria and Poland because these two countries did not pay in rubles, but clarified that continues to supply gas to Europe through the Of Ukraine on demand.
Poland and Bulgaria are the first two countries to cut off Russian gas supplies after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
“Gazprom has completely suspended gas supplies to Bulgargaz (Bulgaria) and PGNiG (Poland) due to non-payment of ruble payments”pointed out the Russian company.
At the same time, he warned that the natural gas in Germanythe Hungary and Serbia which passes through it Poland and her Of Bulgaria in case of unauthorized detention by Warsaw and Sofia.
“Bulgaria and Poland are transit countries. In the event of unauthorized withholding of Russian gas passing through third countries, the quantities passing through will be reduced proportionately. “stressed Gazprom.
THE Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on countries it describes as “unfriendly” to agree to a plan to open accounts with Gazprombank for payments for Russian gas, with the latter undertaking to convert the currency into rubles.
“Payments for gas deliveries after April 1 should be made in rubles using new payment information that the parties have been informed of in a timely manner,” Gazprom said today.
“Alarm” in Greece as well – Extraordinary meeting under the Prime Minister
The energy adequacy of Greece but also the wider effects caused by decisions of Russia to interrupt gas flow to Bulgaria and Polandwill be in the spotlight meeting to be held on 15.30 in the afternoon at Maximos Palace under the Prime Minister Kyriako Mitsotaki.
Mr. Mitsotakis contacted him by phone this morning His Bulgarian counterpart, Kiril Petkov on the issue and told him that Greece will assist Bulgaria to deal with new situation caused for the country by the Russian decisions in energy sector.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news
