This Monday, European Union (EU) energy ministers are trying to reach a political agreement to extend measures to reduce gas consumption, given the target of a 15% reduction, in order to prepare for next winter and amid geopolitical tensions.
At a meeting in Brussels, EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson will then present recommendations on winterizing and securing energy supplies for the 2024-2025 heating season, seeking a political agreement with European ministers to extend the coordinated voluntary reduction in gas demand.
The discussion comes after the community leader recommended last Tuesday that EU countries maintain the 15% gas consumption savings agreed two years ago at the peak of the energy crisis to stabilize markets as geopolitical tensions persist.
In a statement published at the time, the head of the community recalled that the emergency measures agreed two years ago expire on March 31, so the institution now proposes to continue measures to reduce gas demand, anticipating that EU countries will maintain a collective reduction in gas demand. 15% compared to average demand between April 2017 and March 2022.
Although Brussels stressed that “the situation is more stable than in the last two years”, Brussels proposed to continue to apply this measure due to “continued geopolitical tensions, tight global gas markets and the EU’s goal of completely eliminating the fuel.” Russian Fossils” during the ongoing war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which caused one of the worst energy crises in recent years, the EU has already taken measures such as alternatives to Russian supplies, increased renewable energy production and energy savings, especially in gas storage, which have helped lower prices across Europe .
Data from Brussels shows that between August 2022 and December 2023, the EU collectively cut gas demand by 18%, saving around 101 billion cubic meters of gas.
The gas storage regulation required member states (which had reserves) to fill underground gas storage facilities to 90% capacity by 1 November 2023 in preparation for the winter season, with the percentage reaching 99%.
In turn, the decree on reducing gas demand required countries to coordinately reduce gas consumption by 15%.
At today’s meeting, EU ministers will also be briefed on the overall energy situation in Ukraine by that country’s supervisory minister, German Galushchenko, who will take part in the meeting via videoconference.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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