The further reduction in Russian gas supplies through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline leading to Germany on Monday is proof that President Vladimir Putin “is continuing his dirty game of abuse and blackmail with gas supplies,” Sikela said. The EU must therefore reduce its dependence on Russia as quickly as possible.
At the suggestion of the EU Commission, all member countries should each save 15 percent on gas by the end of March in order to compensate for falling supplies from Russia. However, according to the Czech Council Presidency and the EU Commission, a number of exceptions are planned. They concern countries in an island location such as Ireland, Cyprus or Malta, or with no connection to the interconnected grid.
Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) will take part in the Brussels meeting. During the energy crisis, he called for European solidarity because Germany is heavily dependent on Russian gas.