EU member states and the European Parliament have agreed in trilogue negotiations to extend the EU Gas Storage Regulation, while also easing some of its requirements. The winter storage target has been lowered, and the deal includes new rules addressing speculation in gas markets.
By Manuel Berkel
The European Commission is expected to present its draft legislation for phasing out Russian gas as early as June 17. A key point of contention is the potential for compensation claims tied to long-term contracts. But the legal mechanism is said to be strong enough, with the Commission now receiving backing for its approach.
By Manuel Berkel
The deputy EU ambassadors approved the negotiating mandate for the extension of the Gas Storage Regulation on Friday. The Parliament published preliminary compromise proposals. It wants to weaken the Commission's control options.
By Manuel Berkel
The rapporteurs in the EU Parliament have agreed on additional easing of the gas storage target for the coming winters. With the Commission's approval, a target of 75 percent instead of 90 percent would be permissible.
By Manuel Berkel
The EU states have agreed on more flexibility in filling gas storage facilities. However, an important indicator for security of supply in the coming winter remains volatile. The Council Presidency now wants to pick up the pace in the trilogue with the Parliament.
By Manuel Berkel
The European Gas Storage Regulation is to be extended until the end of 2027. The German government would welcome more flexibility in the storage requirements, but the Commission is showing little concession.
By Manuel Berkel
A new report in the Financial Times is fueling speculation about natural gas supplies through Nord Stream 2. However, the Federal Ministry of Economics rejected the idea on Monday. Independence from Russian gas continues to be of strategic importance.
By Manuel Berkel
After the end of Russian gas flows through Ukraine, other routes will become important for security of supply. A large pipeline is due to be completed in 2029 and will bring new revenue to Ukraine and Slovakia. However, national egotisms, the consequences of the Russian invasion and the general move away from gas as an energy source are increasingly complicating European trade.
By Manuel Berkel
Several Central European countries without LNG terminals complain about rising transit fees for German gas. The high costs have made imports from Russia more attractive again.
By Manuel Berkel
On Monday, the energy ministers will discuss complaints from Central European countries against Germany's high transit fees for natural gas. If the levy were abolished at the borders, German industrial customers would have to shoulder additional costs in the five to eight figure range.
By Manuel Berkel
