The European Union wants to stop purchasing Russian energy resources by the end of 2027. In June, the European Commission presented framework proposals that provide for, among other things, a gradual curtailment of gas purchases, including liquefied gas, which European companies continue to import under commercial contracts. Now, EU governments have demanded that the EC keep the plans under consideration secret, according to a draft negotiating document seen by Reuters. “These plans must be prepared in accordance with the rules of professional secrecy and not disclosed without the consent of the relevant EU Member State,” says the document prepared by Denmark, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Union.
The plans of the countries must “describe the proposed measures at national or regional level to reduce demand, stimulate the production of renewable energy and ensure alternative supplies, as well as possible technical, contractual or regulatory barriers that could complicate the diversification process,” the document notes. The EC also insisted that in order to prepare adequate measures, companies purchasing Russian LNG would have to disclose the contents of their contracts, which are a commercial secret.
The companies themselves indicate that they are obliged to continue supplying gas under the contracts, otherwise they will have to pay large fines if they are broken. EU diplomats will begin discussing the document next week. According to some of them, the negotiations are at an early stage and do not yet address issues such as potential legal risks for companies, Reuters writes.
Russian gas supplies have collapsed from 150.2 billion cubic meters in 2021, when they accounted for 44.9% of total gas imports to the EU. However, LNG purchases by EU countries have increased significantly during the years of the war in Ukraine.
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