One such decision, was taken on Tuesday by EU member states, who agreed to ration their gas consumption so as to be able to build stocks in case Russia halts gas deliveries. According to the latest report by the European Commission, almost half of EU member states would be affected by a partial or full cut in gas supplies. In June this year, the amount of gas supplied by Russia was 30% lower compared with the previous five years’ average.
Under the agreement signed in Brussels, EU countries will voluntarily reduce their gas consumption by 15% by the end of March next year. There are some exemptions, namely countries that are not connected to the gas networks of other EU territories. Also, countries that meet the Union’s target of filling their gas reserves by August may benefit from lower targets. This will be Spain’s case, which will voluntarily cut gas use by only 7% on account of its status as an energy island and its large storage capacity following major investments to this end.
Germany, which is Europe’s biggest gas user, welcomed the EU’s coordinated efforts to save gas, emphasising that the EU will remain united in the face of Russia’s cut in gas supplies. Hungary was the only country to reject the agreement reached in Brussels, which it views as „unjustifiable”, „unenforceable” and „harmful”, saying it „completely ignores the interests” of Hungarians. Hungary believes the security of energy supply is a matter for the national governments of each individual EU country.
Ukraine said „the gas war” waged by the Russian president Vladimir Putin against Europe is a direct continuation of his war against Ukraine and the only solution is full independence from Russian gas. Meanwhile, Gazprom has continued to reduce gas deliveries to Europe through the North Stream pipeline, with Putin saying recently that Russia intends to have its gas supply. He justified the move invoking the slow pace of repair works.
As far as Romania is concerned, following the agreement reached in Brussels, the authorities gave assurances that the additional measures that will be taken in order to reduce gas consumption will not affect private users, small and medium sized companies, the social services and the industry. The government says the country already has sufficient gas stocks and its storage facilities will be filled 80%, as the EU recommends, before 1st November. (Daniela Budu, Radio Romania International)
