Restoring gas supplies

At the extraordinary Council meeting in Brussels on 12 January, EU energy ministers urged Ukraine and Russia to immediately resume gas deliveries to the European Union and avoid further economic damage and suffering to EU citizens.

Andris Piebalgs, European Commissioner for Energy,
and Martin Říman, Czech Minister for Industry and Trade,
President of the Council.
Photo: Council of the European Union

This meeting was convened by the Czech Presidency given the serious consequences faced by a number of Member States as a result of the gas dispute between Ukraine and Russia.

The Council appreciated the steps taken towards the establishment of a technical monitoring mission, and decided to follow closely the information provided by the mission, encouraging both parties to find lasting solutions to prevent the recurrence of such disputes and guarantee the continuity of gas supply to the EU. It also agreed on the necessity to develop action in the following priority areas:

Transparency regarding physical gas flows, demand and storage volumes must be enhanced in Member States and their industries, as well as in supply and transit countries, including by installing reliable metering systems.

Regional or bilateral solidarity arrangements addressing disruption of gas supplies must be agreed, and gas storage must be improved.

Energy network interconnections must be evaluated to identify gaps and develop a comprehensive energy security and infrastructure instrument for the EU.

To be eligible for Community financing, projects must be assessed as to their contribution to EU energy security in terms of diversified transport routes and sources.

The Spring European Council will decide on further action concerning energy security.

More information:
Council conclusions (pdf) 
Council webcast of press conference

Upcoming events:
Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 19 January