Скачать или смотреть Brussels says difficult months ahead for Europe, after EU energy ministers meeting

Brussels says it is preparing for difficult months ahead in the energy sector, following an extraordinary meeting of the bloc's energy ministers on Monday to discuss its strategy after Russia decided to cut off gas to Poland and Bulgaria last week.

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Now, the EU is working to ensure that continent's gas storage will be full by autumn. It's currently at 32% and according to the bloc's energy commissioner, Kadri Simson, any member state could be the next victim of Moscow's energy cuts.

Brussels is working in parallel on a sixth package of sanctions against Russia, that will focus on a phased-out embargo of oil. Germany, previously one of the main opponents, is now agreeing to it.

"After two months of work, I can say that Germany is not against an oil ban on Russia," Robert Habeck, the German climate and economics minister said on Monday. "Of course, it is a heavy load to bear, but we are ready to do that...We have to prepare the hubs, we have to prepare the pipelines. So, time is helpful, but other countries have bigger problems."

The proposal may be announced by the European Commission as soon as Tuesday.

But Simone Tagliapietra, a senior fellow at Brussels-based think-tank Bruegel, the plan must be handled with care.

"If we are now moving to sanction Russian oil with a gradual embargo, Russia might respond immediately by saying, okay, then we cut the gas," Tagliapietra said. "And giving Russia this strategic game, may not be the best option for the EU. It might be better for the EU to put a tariff immediately on both oil and gas coming from Russia into the European Union."

Some countries are calling for a punitive import tax on Russia energy instead of an embargo.

The EU is proposing a gradual ban on Russian oil by the end of the year — which Hungary has suggested it will veto if it moves too quickly — but several ministers made clear that they expect quick action.

European Union energy ministers tried to project a united front Monday in rejecting Russia’s demands to buy gas in rubles as the bloc tries to prevent Vladimir Putin from sowing divisions in the bloc.

Despite signs that at least one member state, Hungary, may accede to Moscow’s ruble demands, ministers said the EU will find a way to stick together.

“Speed is of importance here," Irish climate minister Eamon Ryan told reporters. “This war now looks like it could be protracted and we need to use every lever to try and shorten it. Better to go strong early and try to bring to an end."

The EU is proposing a gradual ban on Russian oil by the end of the year — which Hungary has suggested it will veto if it moves too quickly — but several ministers made clear that they expect quick action.

Poland, which has pushed for a ban on Russian oil, will also propose an embargo on gas, preferably at the same time.

“We will call for immediate sanctions on oil and gas," Polish climate minister Anna Moskwa told reporters. “This is the next urgent and absolutely necessary step which should be taken into account in to the next pile of sanctions. I do believe during today’s meeting, we will have solidarity."

To encourage skeptical nations to get rid of their dependency on fossil fuels from Moscow, Poland wants to propose a special carbon market-like mechanism on energy sources imported from Russia. Such a system would involve a quota of fossil fuels for each country, and those wanting to purchase more would have to buy permits from those using less than their limit. It’s not clear that the proposal has support from other member states.

Ministers plan to discuss how to bolster Europe’s depleted gas reserves before the next heating season. National governments and the European Parliament are currently fast-tracking a regulation that would require countries to ensure that storage facilities are filled up to 80% before next winter and 90% in the following years.

The meeting will also feature an exchange of views on the proposal by the European Commission to reduce dependence on Russian gas imports. The EU’s executive arm said last month the bloc could replace nearly two-thirds of Russian gas imports this year by tapping alternative supply sources, building up renewables and boosting energy security. On May 18, the commission is set to present a set of laws to implement the plan.