The EU plans to propose to its member states a voluntary reduction in natural gas use of 15 percent from next month, Bloomberg reports.
On Wednesday, the EU is expected to present plans for how the 27 member states can reduce gas consumption to withstand Russia's decision to completely shut off the gas taps. However, such a proposal from the EU Commission must be approved by the countries.
According to Bloomberg, the plans will also include a mandatory reduction in gas in the event that the situation worsens and voluntary reductions are insufficient.
However, a large group of member states are against this, according to media reports. They argue that the countries already have emergency plans and will reduce gas imports regardless of whether the EU forces them to do so or not. The Reuters news agency has seen a draft document for the plan, which does not include specific figures for the gas reduction.
Uncertainty about supply line
Bloomberg further writes that an estimate shows that up to 1.5 percent of the EU's total gross domestic product (GDP) is at risk if it is a harsh winter, where a lot of gas is used for heating.
According to the plan, the annual maintenance of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline ends on Thursday. Then the state-owned Russian gas company Gazprom is to reopen the gas supply to European consumers.
This year, however, there is uncertainty about whether the gas will be delivered again on Thursday morning. There are fears that the Russians do not intend to reopen at all. If so, this will cause enormous problems for Europe.
The uncertainty stems from the war in Ukraine, where extensive EU sanctions have been imposed against Russia following Russia's invasion of the country.
Ritzau / Reuters
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