08/04/2022 (Agence Europe) – As the Russian invasion of Ukraine leaves the European Union uncertain about its gas supplies, the European platform for joint procurement of gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen held its first virtual meeting on Thursday 7 April, bringing together representatives from all 27 EU Member States. Proposed by the European Commission in a communication on 23 March, this platform aims to obtain advantageous conditions in negotiations with gas and hydrogen supplier countries by making optimal use of the EU’s collective political and commercial weight. This is to ensure the security of the Union’s energy supply for the coming winter (see EUROPE 12917/7). This is a voluntary coordination mechanism, in line with the agreement reached between the Heads of State or Government of the Member States on Friday 25 March (see EUROPE 12919/1). (DG)