This bold move is part of a larger strategy to reduce the EU's dependence on Russian energy resources, according to European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson.
Simson emphasized that the EU has made significant progress in cutting its energy reliance on Russia. In 2021, Russia supplied 45% of the EU's gas, amounting to 150 billion cubic meters annually. However, in the past year, that figure has dropped to just 15%, with the EU importing less than 50 billion cubic meters of Russian gas. As of August 19, 2024, EU gas storage facilities were filled to 90%, exceeding the target and ensuring energy security for the winter ahead.
"We remain fully committed to phasing out Russian gas," Simson stated, underlining the EU's preparation for a future without Russian energy. The EU has been working for the past two years to finalize an agreement on gas transit through Ukraine, demonstrating its long-term planning and readiness for this shift.
In addition to reducing Russian gas imports, Simson called for a more sustainable energy strategy, urging Europe to rely more on domestically produced renewable energy sources (RES). She stressed that increasing the deployment of clean energy technologies is crucial to addressing structural issues in the EU’s energy sector.
This development aligns with Ukraine’s own stance, as Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal recently confirmed that Ukraine has no intention of negotiating a new gas or oil transit agreement with Russia. The EU and Ukraine are moving forward in solidarity, both committed to reducing reliance on Russian energy and transitioning towards greener energy solutions.
