European Union countries on Tuesday approved an emergency plan to contain their gas demand, with weaker commitments compared to those initially proposed, as they prepare for further reductions in Russian supply.
Europe faces increased gas tightness from Wednesday, when Russia’s Gazprom said it would reduce flows through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany to one-fifth of capacity.
With a dozen EU countries already facing dwindling Russian supplies, Brussels is urging member states to prepare by saving gas and storing it for the winter, fearing Russia will cut flows completely in retaliation for Western sanctions for its war. with Ukraine.
Energy ministers approved a proposal for all EU countries to voluntarily reduce gas use by 15% from August to March.
The cuts could become mandatory in a supply emergency, but there was agreement to exempt several countries and industries after some governments resisted the EU’s original proposal to impose a mandatory 15% cut on all countries.
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said the deal would show Russian President Vladimir Putin that Europe remains united in the face of Moscow’s latest gas cuts.
“You will not divide us,” Habeck said.
Hungary was the only country that opposed the deal, two EU officials said.
Russia’s Gazprom blamed its latest downsizing on the need to shut down a turbine – a reason dismissed by EU energy chief Kadri Simson, who called the move “politically motivated”.
Source: CNN Brasil
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