EU can live without Russian gas through Ukraine

European Union Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson has warned regional gas companies that signing any new deal to maintain gas flows from Russia via Ukraine to Europe would be a “dangerous” option.

“There is no excuse, the EU can live without this Russian gas,” Ms Simson said at a press conference after a meeting of EU energy ministers on October 15. “This is a political choice and a dangerous choice.”

Construction site of the gas pipeline to connect the gas networks of Bulgaria and Serbia, near Golyanovtsi, Bulgaria, February 1, 2023. Photo: Brookings

A key gas transit deal between Moscow and Kiev is set to expire on December 31, and talks are continuing to try to keep Russian gas flowing through the Druzhba pipeline through Ukraine. However, no deal appears to be in sight with less than three months to go before the deal actually expires.

Both Kiev and Moscow have said they are ready to find a solution that could involve Azerbaijan, although there are concerns that Russian gas could eventually be smuggled into the EU through it. A final decision is likely to come at the last minute or in early 2025.

Analysts note that whether Russian gas will continue to transit through Ukraine may be clarified after the US presidential election – an event that will determine Washington's policy regarding Russian hydrocarbons (including oil and gas) in Europe.

Ms Simson, who is nearing the end of her term as EU energy chief, said the European Commission (EC) was fully prepared for a scenario where gas transit through Ukraine was no longer possible, but that it would still be okay thanks to alternative supply routes and ample gas reserves.

“Central and Southeast Europe have diversified their supply options to fully replace the 14 billion cubic metres of Russian gas still transiting through Ukraine. Both new and existing LNG terminals have sufficient capacity, the necessary transport infrastructure is in place and there are many alternative supply routes for both LNG and pipeline imports,” said Ms Simson.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Ukraine would decide the future of the gas pipeline, while EU officials said they would not take part in new talks.

Gas and electricity prices in Europe are higher than in the US and elsewhere, and prices vary significantly across the bloc. In September, the Greek prime minister called for an urgent EU response to rising electricity prices in central and eastern Europe.

Minh Duc (According to Bloomberg, Reuters, Xinhua)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/eu-co-the-song-ma-khong-can-dong-khi-dot-nga-qua-ukraine-204241016205953493.htm