Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S) is under no illusions. Europe could risk that Russian President Vladimir Putin will cut off gas to Europe. This could mean that European people and companies could face a difficult winter with high energy bills - and in the worst case, a shortage of gas.
- It is an incredibly serious situation. Deliveries have already been greatly reduced via Nord Stream 1, says Mette Frederiksen.
She refers to the fact that Russia has cut off the gas supplied via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany. However, it is not only Germany that is affected by the decision. Large EU countries such as France and Italy are also now receiving less gas. In addition, the Russian gas company Gazprom has cut off gas to Denmark, among others, through the company Ørsted.
- This means that it may be difficult to fill up the stocks. This means that we could enter an autumn and a winter that are worse than what we have just experienced. So it is really, really serious that we may run out of gas, says Mette Frederiksen.
The EU Commission assessed this week that there will be enough gas for the time being despite Russia's decision. But concerns about what may happen when Europe moves into the cold months are increasing.
- We do not have a current supply crisis in Denmark. But we have been working on getting emergency preparedness in place over a long period of time, because no one knows what this winter will bring. If you ask me, I think Putin can come up with anything. He is killing people in Ukraine. Can he come up with cutting off the gas to the rest of us? Yes, he can, says Mette Frederiksen.
Understands countries restarting coal plants
She will not criticize Germany and other EU members for turning on coal-fired power plants again. It may go against the EU's climate ambitions, but the alternative is worse, says Mette Frederiksen.
- You won't hear me condemning Germany, Poland or other countries for currently looking for other energy sources. Because there is a real risk that the gas will be cut off.
- It will hit European families across the board really seriously. But it will also hit - and perhaps paralyze - parts of our production. That is why all countries are obliged to look at what other energy sources they have, says Mette Frederiksen.
Ritzau
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