EU not interested in extending gas transit contract with Russia
Photo: European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson (flickr.com/eu2017ee)
The countries of the European Union are not interested in extending the contract for gas transit from Russia. The EU has alternative options to ensure security of gas supply, says European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson.
According to her, a return to normal relations with Russia is impossible.
"The EU is not interested in extending the gas transit contract with the Russians. We have been preparing for the expiration of this contract for two years since the manipulation of the gas market began, and we have alternative options to ensure the security of supply. Currently, our main focus is to provide maximum support to Ukraine and the fastest possible rejection of Russian gas," she said.
Russian gas in Europe
Although the EU gradually reduced its dependence on Russian energy carriers after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it still receives gas from Russia. Some EU countries continue to import Russian gas, despite the war against Ukraine. In particular, Hungary is engaged in this.
It was recently reported that Spain increased imports of Russian gas last year by 35%. Most of it comes to the country by sea.
But supplies are still decreasing. According to Reuters, Gazprom's supply to Europe in 2023 has more than halved.
