A united European Union can cope if Russia cuts off its gas supply, according to the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
She was speaking after the Commission asked member states to reduce their annual gas consumption by 15%.
She said Russia was “using gas as a weapon” but insisted thee Kremlin’s attempt to ‘blackmail’ Europe this winter would fail.
Earlier, Russia’s state gas company Gazprom warned that it can no longer guarantee supply to European countries.
The company blamed EU sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine for the decreased supply.
Russia is using gas as a weapon.
We have to address our energy security at EU level.
We learnt from the pandemic that if we act in unity, we can address any crisis.
So let's act together to reduce gas use and provide a safety net for all EU countries. https://t.co/Or53o1Acer
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 20, 2022
Meanwhile, the Nord Stream 1 pipeline which brings natural gas from Russia to Germany has been shut down for annual maintenance nine days ago.
The pipeline is due to restart in the coming hours; however, there are real fears Moscow will refuse to reopen it as the stand-off between Russia and Europe continues.
That would have a massive impact on industry right across the European Economic area and could be disastrous economically.
The IMF has warned that up to six EU countries could be sent into recession if Russia cuts off gas supplies.
Once more we have testing times ahead of us.
I am confident that we can master this energy crisis, together.
Russia’s attempt to blackmail us this winter will fail.
We will come out stronger. pic.twitter.com/zNoWaIVCG5
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 20, 2022
Speaking this afternoon, President von der Leyen insisted the EU would cope if it stuck together.
“We have used this unity, this European coordination and solidarity in facing Russia’s war,” she said.
“We have gone through applying six packages of sanctions and the seventh is on the way.
“So, if we look at the European Union today, I am confident we can master this Russian-engineered energy crisis by staying together.”
Gas cut-off
EC President Ursula von der Leyen says a full cut off by Russia is likely.
“Russia is calculatingly trying to put pressure on us by reducing the supply of gas so it is a likely scenario that there is a full cut-off of Russian gas and that would likely hit the whole European Union.”
Rationing
President von der Leyen said EU countries should now begin to save 155 of their annual gas consumption and said the EU would offer guidance on how to do that in a smart way.
She said the goal was currently “aspirational” but would become binding if a European alert is issued.
The EC president also noted that some European countries are more vulnerable than others – and countries need to be ready to share supplies as needed.
