This decision will deprive Russia of one of the most important levers of influence.
The leaders of the European Union supported the idea of member states to unite efforts to purchase natural gas and create a single platform, according to the website of the European Council.
The joint procurement platform will also be open to the Western Balkans and the three associated eastern partners of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.
Such a decision will close the possibility of circumventing the sanctions imposed on Russia for the attack on Ukraine, and eliminate competition between countries in the energy market.
“I welcome the fact that we have now decided to use our collective bargaining power, instead of competing with each other for price and raising prices, we will combine our purchases,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen .
In turn, French President Emmanuel Macron noted Europe's readiness to strengthen strategic autonomy. And one of the priorities of this work will be to reduce gas prices. The French leader is also strongly against buying gas for rubles.
The European Council considered the EU's readiness for the near future and instructed it to adopt a proposal for a European gas storage policy, taking into account the possibility of filling gas storage facilities in Europe as soon as possible.
In addition, the EU agreed to urgently begin work to secure supplies to all Member States, establish the necessary solidarity and compensation mechanisms, and cooperate in the voluntary joint purchase of gas, liquefied gas and hydrogen.
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