As Russian gas supplies to the European Union continue to be cut, EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson highlighted the “real risk” of the EU not having enough energy in the coming winter, during a speech at the Three Seas Business Forum on Tuesday 21 June.
“Winter is around the corner, and it will be a challenging moment. We are not just looking at high prices (...) There is a clear risk to our short-term energy security”, the Commissioner warned.
Ms Simson therefore called on Member States to “step up their preparedness, update the contingency plans in place and conclude any outstanding bilateral solidarity agreements”.
She then assured that she is prioritising the development of a coordinated EU-wide contingency plan for the coming winter, as well as providing guidance to Member States on how to organise demand reduction decisions, “if it is needed”.
As a result of the reduction in Russian gas supplies to several EU countries, some Member States (Germany, Austria and the Netherlands) have also announced that they will have to rely more on coal. (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)