The EU is not going to give up Russian gas until 2026
23 May 2024 11:39
The European Union has prepared a gas market reform that will help make the transition to renewable and low-carbon gases, including hydrogen, in the energy system in order to achieve the EU’s decarbonisation goals. Russian gas is seen here as part of the European energy mix until at least 2026, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
Thus, theRegulation on Internal Markets for Renewable Gas, Natural Gas and Hydrogen approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU considers limiting Russian gas supplies only as an option, and even then – only from 2026.
“As from 1 January 2026, the Commission may decide… to temporarily exclude natural gas originating in the Russian Federation or Belarus or LNG (liquefied natural gas) supplied from LNG facilities located in the Russian Federation or Belarus from participation in the demand aggregation mechanism and the joint purchase of natural gas, if necessary to protect the essential security or safety of supply of the Union or a Member State,” the document says,
– the document says.
Even the application of this provision is possible only if a number of conditions are met. In particular, such measures must
- not unreasonably disrupt the proper functioning of the internal natural gas market and cross-border flows of natural gas between Member States and not undermine the security of supply of the Union or a Member State;
- respect the principle of energy solidarity;
- be adopted in accordance with the rights and obligations of the Union or Member States towards third countries.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Union did not refuse Russian gas.
Europe and gas
As of the beginning of 2022, the EU was 40% dependent on Russian gas. In 2021, 65% of the gas purchased by Germany was Russian. In the third quarter of 2023, only 12% of the gas imported by the EU remains Russian.
The current contract for gas supplies to Europe through the Ukrainian gas transmission system expires in December 2024. Both sides have made it clear that they are not going to extend it.
At the same time, some EU countries remain dependent on Russian gas, such as Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. These countries’ contracts with Gazprom provide for gas supplies through the Ukrainian gas transmission system. For example, Austria signed a contract for gas supplies until 2040.
After both Nord Stream and the Ukrainian GTS are shut down, Russia will be able to supply gas to Europe only through the Turkish Stream.
Earlier, European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson said that Europe plans to get rid of Russian gas by 2027.
“…according to our plan, we have to get rid of Russian gas by 2027. We are working intensively to provide countries with alternative supply routes and alternative suppliers,”
– the official said.
