The European Commission kicked off work on joint gas procurement by holding the first virtual meeting with the ‘high-level industrial roundtable of the EU Energy Platform’ on Tuesday 20 December.
“Energy Ministers adopted (on Monday 19 December) the Regulation (on gas solidarity, joint gas purchases and the creation of a reference index for prices of liquefied natural gas transactions - see EUROPE 13071/2 - Editor’s note) providing us with the legal basis we need, and the Commission will lose no time in implementation”, said Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, indicating that 32 companies took part in the virtual meeting.
The situation remains uncertain. According to Mr Šefčovič, there could be a shortage of 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas next year (see EUROPE 13057/5). The priority now is therefore to secure commitments to joint procurement well before the gas tank filling season starts next year, he stressed.
So far, the signals are positive. The Vice-President described the attitude of the industries present as “constructive”. He emphasised the importance of an “inclusive” approach open to all Member States and to companies of all sizes. He also stressed the importance of optimising infrastructure.
To this end, he hopes to quickly set up a “new booking system”. On the supply side, Mr Šefčovič intends to intensify the energy dialogue with the US and Norway in particular, while strengthening and improving the diplomatic action of the EU and Member States in this field. “Because when we act jointly, and speak with one voice, we can truly boost our bargaining power”, he said.
The Vice-President returned to the thorny issue of competition. “Jointly purchasing gas through a consortium can limit the risk of European companies outbidding each other in a way that harms our citizens and our industry”, he commented. In any case, he assured that the European Commission is ready to help the industry to ensure that joint purchasing is fully compliant with EU competition rules.
During his speech, Mr Šefčovič outlined the timetable for 2023. In January, the institution will convene the Steering Board of EU Member States to select a service provider to organise the IT platform for demand aggregation. In early spring, the institution’s goal would be to publish the application for demand aggregation. The first joint purchases should be concluded “well before next summer”, the Vice-President hoped. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)