EU member states have agreed to reduce gas use in Europe by 15% by next spring

“The EU is united and solidary. Today’s decision has clearly shown the member states will stand tall against any Russian attempt to divide the EU by using energy supplies as a weapon. Adopting the gas reduction proposal in record time has undoubtedly strengthened our common energy security. Saving gas now will improve preparedness. The winter will be much cheaper and easier for EU’s citizens and industry.” said Minister for Industry and Trade Josef Sikela

In a meeting on 26 July, member states committed to reducing gas demand by 15% between August 2022 and 31 March 2023. This commitment was made on the basis of previous consultations between individual EU governments and their industries. Member States have agreed to achieve this target through measures of their choice.

Some of the measures that the Member States could use are, for example, the launch of an auctioning or tendering system to incentivize industries to reduce energy consumption. Member States may also offer support in line with the amendment to the Temporary Crisis Framework for State Aid adopted by the Commission.

The reduction plan consists of three main pillars: switching to other renewable forms of energy, incentives to reduce gas consumption, and reducing consumption in the form of heating and cooling.

This plan, as a priority, must not adversely affect households, hospitals, and other vulnerable consumers, which are crucial for the provision of essential products and services for the economy and for the EU’s supply chains and competitiveness.