Ministers held an exchange of views on the energy situation in Europe in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
They also exchanged views on their national measures and contingency plans, as well as on further short-term actions to strengthen EU's security of energy supply.
On 5 August 2022, the Council adopted the regulation on reducing gas demand by 15% through a written procedure. The adoption follows the political agreement reached in July and the regulation will be published in the Official Journal on 8 August and enter into force the next day.
Russia has been waging an unjustified and unprovoked war against Ukraine since 24 February 2022. From the start of the invasion, there has been a sharp increase in world prices for key commodities, in particular fuels. Concerns have grown over the security of both energy and food supply in both the EU and worldwide.
Energy prices and security of supply
Since the second half of 2021, there has been a sharp hike in energy prices in the EU and worldwide. The price of fuels has further risen as a consequence of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine, which has also led to concerns related to the security of energy supply in the EU. Russia’s decision to suspend gas deliveries to several EU member states has further impacted the situation.
EU energy independence
With the Versailles Declaration agreed in March 2022, the EU leaders of the 27 member states agreed to phase out the EU’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels as soon as possible. At the March European Council, they discussed measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices and to secure the supply of energy. They exchanged views on:
On 30-31 May 2022, the European Council agreed on a ban on almost 90% of all Russian oil imports by the end of 2022 - with a temporary exception for crude oil delivered by pipeline. They urged the Council to finalise and adopt without delay the sixth package of sanctions which will include this ban.
Taking account of the EU member states’ different energy mixes, conditions and circumstances, EU leaders called for:
On 23-24 June 2022, EU leaders addressed the challenges around rising energy prices. Referring to the Versailles Declaration and previous European Council conclusions, EU leaders reiterated the invitation to the Commission to explore with international partners ways in which to curb rising energy prices, including the feasibility of introducing temporary price caps where appropriate.
In the face of the weaponisation of gas by Russia, the European Council invited the Commission to urgently pursue efforts to secure energy supply at affordable prices.
On 2 May 2022, EU energy ministers held an extraordinary Council meeting to discuss the energy situation in the EU in the context of the suspension of gas deliveries by Gazprom to some EU member states. They exchanged views on the EU's preparedness in the event of a supply crisis and on possible emergency and solidarity measures. The meeting was also an opportunity to recall their solidarity with Ukraine.
On 5 August 2022, the Council adopted the regulation on reducing gas demand by 15% through a written procedure. The adoption follows the political agreement reached in July and the regulation will be published in the Official Journal on 8 August and enter into force the next day.
A Guest EDITORIAL