BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 27. EU Commission
urges member states to maintain gas savings to safeguard supplies
and market stability, Trend reports via the Commission.
In a concerted effort to address the energy crisis exacerbated
by the war in Ukraine, businesses and citizens across the European
Union have significantly curtailed gas consumption, yielding
crucial results. According to recent data, the EU collectively
slashed gas demand by 18 percent between August 2022 and December
2023, amounting to savings of approximately 101 billion cubic
meters of gas.
These remarkable achievements surpass the 15 percent savings
target initially outlined under emergency legislation implemented
in the summer of 2022. Such efforts have played a pivotal role in
maintaining stable energy supplies, stabilizing EU energy markets,
and demonstrating solidarity with Ukraine during these tumultuous
times.
As the emergency legislation approaches its expiry date on March
31, the European Commission is advocating for the adoption of a
Council Recommendation to prolong gas demand reduction measures.
The proposed Recommendation urges Member States to uphold voluntary
measures to sustain a collective 15 percent reduction in gas demand
compared to pre-crisis levels. Discussions on this proposal are
scheduled to take place during the Energy Council meeting on
Monday, March 4, led by Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson and EU
Energy Ministers.
The implementation of a wide array of emergency measures since
the onset of the war in Ukraine has notably ameliorated the EU’s
energy landscape. Diversification of energy sources, increased
renewable energy capacity, and significant energy conservation
efforts have collectively led to enhanced stability and decreased
prices across Europe. Nonetheless, given lingering geopolitical
tensions and the EU’s commitment to phasing out Russian fossil
fuels entirely, sustained energy conservation remains
imperative.
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