The European Parliament has backed plans to accelerate the
refilling of Europe's strategic gas reserves, so households and
businesses have enough gas for the next heating season.
The proposal, adopted under
Parliament’s urgent procedure process, will now be negotiated
with EU ministers. MEPs want to establish a mandatory minimum 80%
level of gas in storage facilities by 1 November 2022, and 90%
for subsequent years, in order to ensure security of supply and
protect Europeans from possible supply shocks.
All storage operators will also have to undergo a new mandatory
certification, in order to avoid risks resulting from outside
interference. Operators who fail to secure this certification
will have to give up ownership or control of EU gas storage
facilities. Moreover, operators will not be able to close a gas
storage facility without authorisation from the national
regulator.
In order to speed up the refilling of gas reserves, the new law
will also incentivise energy companies with a discount on
transmission tariffs to - or from - storage facilities.
"This key legislative proposal is not only about new and
much-needed legal provisions - it is first and foremost about
securing gas supplies for next winter " said MEP Jerzy Buzek (EPP, PL),
who is leading the European Parliament negotiation team.
“This is what our citizens - households, SMEs and industry -
expect today from the European Union. We have to live up to these
expectations and we are ready to start negotiations immediately.
I believe the Council shares this approach" he added.
Parliament backed the proposal with 516 votes in favour, 25
against and 15 abstentions. MEPs sent the matter back to
committee for negotiations, which will start when EU ministers
have agreed their position.
Background
The legislative proposal was adopted by the Commission on 23
March, in the context of the Russian war against Ukraine. The
Industry, Research and Energy Committee requested that the urgent
procedure (Rule 163) be applied.
Parliament voted on Tuesday in favour of triggering such a
procedure.
At the Versailles Summit, EU
leaders requested measures to address the issue of energy
independence. The proposal from the European Commission, welcomed
by the European Council at their 24-25 March summit, aims to
reduce the risks to security of gas supply.
