The Russian giant Gazprom’s decision to unilaterally cut gas
\nsupplies to some EU countries is unjustified, unacceptable and is a provocation
\nfrom the Kremlin, the chief of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen
\nhas said. Von der Leyen made the statement during the works of the Gas Coordination
\nGroup shortly after Russia had cut gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria after
\ntheir refusal to pay in roubles. Ursula von der Leyen has branded the Russian
\ngiant Gazprom’s decision as an act of blackmail. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Ursula von
\nder Leyen: Gazprom’s announcement that is unilaterally
\nstopping gas deliveries to certain EU member states is another provocation from
\nthe Kremlin. But it comes as no surprise that the Kremlin uses fossil fuel to
\ntry to blackmail us. This is something the European Commission has been
\npreparing for in close coordination and solidarity with member states and
\ninternational partners. Our response will be immediate, united and coordinated.
\nFirst we will ensure that Gazprom’s decision has the least possible impact on
\nEuropean consumers. Today, the Kremlin failed once again in its attempt to sow
\ndivision among member states. The era of Russian fossil fuel in Europe is
\ncoming to an end. Europe is moving forward on energy issues <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
The European Union needs reliable energy
\nsuppliers and Russia’s latest decision proves it is not such a supplier the EU
\nchief has also said. Ursula von der Leyen has given assurances that at the EU
\nlevel, efforts are being made to ensure alternative gas supplies adding that the
\nstorage levels are presently the best in the entire Union. Ursula von der Leyen
\nhas also explained the decision to cut gas supplies affects Russia in the first
\nplace, as the country will reduce its revenues. <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
She says that the sixth package of European sanctions will
\ncome at the right time and could also include sanctions against the Russian gas
\nand oil. According to the EU official, the REPower action plan will this year
\nstart to contribute to the significant reduction of the bloc’s dependency on fossil
\nfuels from Russia and that in mid-May the Commission will present plans aimed
\nat stepping up the green transition. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
The EU has other options to offset the gas supply cuts, says
\nthe EU official who called on the members not to breach the sanctions imposed
\non Russia after the latter’s invasion of Ukraine. In March, president Putin
\nannounced that Russia would only accept payment in roubles for its gas
\ndeliveries to countries that are unfriendly to Russia. Brussels has described the move as a breach of
\ncontract though. Russia, which carries on its invasion of Ukraine, is presently
\ndenying the accusations of using gas as a blackmail instrument saying that it
\nis a reliable energy supplier. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
(bill)<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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