EU plans full phase-out of Russian gas
Illustrative photo: The EU wants to stop importing Russian gas (Getty Images)
The European Union is developing a plan to completely stop importing Russian gas, despite concerns from Hungary and Slovakia, said European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen during a briefing.
The EU is working closely with member states to ensure energy security, including Hungary and Slovakia which were affected the most by the halt of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. The EU, she said, remains committed to supporting member states in diversifying their energy suppliers.
Itkonen added that the EU will soon propose a roadmap for a full phase-out of Russian gas, emphasizing that the bloc is not interested in increasing reliance on Russian fossil fuels but rather working on a plan to phase out of them.
Scandal with Hungary and Slovakia
Since January 1, Ukraine has stopped the transit of Russian gas. This caused sharp dissatisfaction among the authorities of Slovakia and Hungary.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened to halt electricity exports to Ukraine unless gas transit is restored.
Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán signaled his intention to block the extension of EU sanctions against Russia in response to the transit suspension.
