As the co-legislators prepare to begin negotiations on the REPowerEU regulation aimed at banning gas imports from Russia (see EUROPE 13736/19), the European Commissioner for Energy, Dan Jørgensen, explained during a debate in the European Parliament on Wednesday 22 October that it was also necessary to take action on oil and nuclear fuel imports.
“Even if Russian oil only accounts for 3% of our imports into Europe, that’s still 3% too much. It is important to note that each of our Member States that continue to import Russian oil has viable alternatives”, he explained, without naming Hungary and Slovakia.
He also mentioned that the European Commission was working on the part of the ‘REPowerEU roadmap’ concerning the ban on Russian nuclear fuels (see EUROPE 13634/1).
On this point, “we are engaged in close dialogue with the Member States and the main stakeholders”, he said.
Divergent positions. Both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU have agreed on their respective positions on the abandonment of all imports of Russian gas. The date for this abandonment for the EU Council remains 1 January 2028 (see EUROPE 13734/8). Parliament is more ambitious, aiming for 1 January 2027 (see EUROPE 13736/19).
It has also included in the regulation a complete ban on oil from Russia. The EU Council, for its part, introduces a review clause for the regulation in the event of an emergency situation affecting the security of supply of one or more countries.
”There’s some divergence between our proposal from the Commission side and the general approach from the Council and what’s been voted through the Parliament. But there’s more common ground, and I’m sure we can find the compromises necessary as fast as possible”, said Commissioner Jørgensen.
Interinstitutional negotiations between the European Parliament and the EU Council are due to begin on 6 November. The EU Council’s national energy experts will analyse Parliament’s position on 28 October.
Sanctions. At the same time, the EU’s new package of sanctions against Moscow, adopted on 23 October, introduces a complete ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) starting 1 January 2027 (see other news). According to the EU Council, the REPowerEU regulation and this sanctions package can exist in a complementary manner. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)