European Commissioner Simson: we have been preparing to do without Russian gas in recent years
The European Union is ready to do without Russian gas, as it has been preparing for this in recent years. This was stated by European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson following a meeting of the Council of Energy Ministers of the association countries, her words are quoted by RIA Novosti
According to Simson, some countries in the community are entering into new contracts for the supply of Russian energy resources. She also acknowledged the increase in purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Russian Federation, but expressed hope that this “will not be a trend.”
The European Commissioner also announced the EU’s ability to survive without the transit of Russian fuel through the territory of Ukraine. The countries of the region do not expect a fuel shortage, since gas reserves in the European Union are at the level of 95 percent.
Energy ministers of European states are preparing to discuss the problem of importing Russian gas in the context of the conflict in Ukraine, which is now in its third winter, at a meeting in Luxembourg. Officials decided to find out how ready the region is for winter, especially when a key agreement on the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine expires on December 31.
One of the options being discussed is to purchase gas from Azerbaijan instead of Russia. This scenario looks controversial, since the former Soviet republic has limited gas export capabilities. Meanwhile, Europe needs 10-11 billion cubic meters of this energy carrier. Lower levels would mean that additional gas would have to be pumped in, making the operation unprofitable.
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