Workers at a gas distribution station. File photoBRUSSELS, May 18.The European Commission will present its proposals on Wednesday to strengthen the energy security of the European Union against the background of the imposition of sanctions against Russia, which remains the main supplier of energy resources. According to the draft document, which is published by the European media, the European Commission will invite the EU states to prepare for a possible, in its opinion, unexpected and complete cessation of supplies gas from Russia. Among the urgent measures could be the setting of gas price ceilings for consumers, including industrialists. In addition, the European Commission will propose more ambitious targets in the field of renewable energy and energy conservation in the framework of a 195 billion euro plan to abandon Russian fuel by 2027.
FT: The EU is preparing to sacrifice climate for the sake of reducing dependence on RussiaThe European Commission also plans to publish a document regarding partnerships with the oil and gas rich Arab countries of the Persian Gulf. Earlier, the European Commission invited the EU countries to introduce new restrictions on Russia, including in the energy sector. In particular, as part of the forthcoming sixth package of sanctions, the EU is considering the possibility of introducing a phased embargo on oil purchases in Russia. Some countries of the union, in particular Hungary, are blocking its adoption due to fear of the negative impact of this step on their own economy. The rejection of Russian oil and gas will have enormous consequences for the European and world economies, said Dmitry Birichevsky, director of the Department of Economic Cooperation of the Russian Foreign Ministry. According to him, Europe is very dependent on Russian gas and oil. Even if it moves to total savings, finds suppliers in other regions of the world and switches to renewable energy sources, «in the most ideal scenario» it will be able to replace only 80% of energy resources, he said. Experts are sure that the increase in energy prices in March to record levels caused by sanctions against Russia is not the limit, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said. predicted a cold autumn without Russian gas
