The EU wants to jointly buy non-Russian gas on a permanent basis

The European Union wants to make joint purchases of gas, which were an anti-crisis measure after the refusal of Russian imports, permanent.

This was reported by Bloomberg with reference to a document of the European Commission.

It is noted that the executive body of the European Union proposes to make the current anti-crisis measures on joint gas purchases a long-term solution, where Russian gas will not be purchased as before.

According to the document, these measures could also include other energy products or services, such as carbon capture and storage, a process that involves separating carbon from industrial and energy sources, as well as transporting it to a storage site and isolating it from the atmosphere for the long term.

It is specified that participation in the joint procurement platform will be voluntary, except in the event of another energy crisis, when the EU may go to the formation of joint demand.

Vice President of the Commission Maroš Šefčovič emphasized that this platform could also allow the purchase of hydrogen and serve as a model for the purchase of critical raw materials needed for clean technologies.

According to the document, this proposal will be included in the hydrogen and decarbonization package currently being discussed by member states and the European Parliament.

Author - Olena Madiak, 17/07/2023