The Commission’s proposal to reduce natural gas consumption by 15% is now considered certain to undergo significant modifications. Compromise proposal of the Czech presidency in the works.
Community sources in Brussels say the Czech EU presidency is in ongoing discussions with member states’ permanent representatives to present a compromise proposal to an emergency meeting of energy ministers on Thursday, which could lead to a decision.
All countries agree with the urgency of the Commission’s proposal to reduce natural gas consumption, in order to limit the negative consequences for the European economy in the event of a sudden interruption of the flow from Russia. However, many countries, including the entire south of the EU, including Greece, disagree with the horizontal reduction of 15% proposed for all member states by the Commission, as well as with the fact that it itself has the ability to convert from voluntary to binding reduction of consumption, in case of extreme situations, which many Member States do not like.
Voluntary and not horizontal savings
For the countries that disagree, the reduction should remain voluntary and not be horizontal but related to each country’s degree of dependence on Russian natural gas. They are also asking that the right not be given to the Commission to be able to impose a reduction in consumption, but that the EU Council of Ministers always have the final say.
According to the Commission’s proposal all consumers, public administrations, households, owners of public buildings, electricity suppliers and industry can and should take steps to save gas. For example, it recommends that Member States introduce auction or tender systems to incentivize energy reduction by industry.
Another important pillar of energy saving is the reduction of heating and cooling. The Commission urges all Member States to launch public awareness campaigns to promote the reduction of heating and cooling, choosing measures also from the recent proposal submitted to the Council. As an example, member states could impose targeted reductions in heating and cooling in public authority buildings, the Commission says.
Nikos Bellos, Brussels
Source: Deutsche Welle
Source: Capital
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