This is one of the stages in the program to reduce energy dependence on Russia.
The European Commission does not expect to completely replace Russian gas with American, but will gradually increase gas imports from the United States. This was announced by the official representative of the European Commission Eric Mamer at a briefing in Brussels, Interfax reports.
“The agreement with the United States is aimed at increasing the amount of liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplied from the United States compared to what we already have. In 2021, we talked about 22 billion cubic meters. We expect an additional 15 billion cubic meters. thanks to this agreement, which is 10% of the Russian gas we receive every year, “Mamer said.
He noted that “no one said that by waving a magic wand, the agreement with the United States will allow the European Union to achieve independence from Russian gas.”
“This is just a step in this direction, and we hope that by next year we will be able to move forward thanks to this agreement and raise it to 35 billion cubic meters (additional supplies),” Mamer explained.
The representative of the European Commission also called not to forget that this case is one of the stages of the program to reduce energy dependence on Russia. The European Union seeks to gradually reduce Russian gas imports and is negotiating with international partners to diversify gas supply routes, both LNG and pipeline.
He added that this process is accompanied by other measures planned by the European Commission – energy efficiency, development of renewable energy sources, which will help reduce the EU's dependence on Russian gas by two thirds by the end of the year.
Read also: Putin signed a decree on the transfer of payment for gas exports in rubles
Earlier, the European Union and the G7 countries refused to pay for Russian energy in rubles . The Kremlin said it was not going to “supply fuel for free.” Later, in a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Putin said that European companies will be able to to pay for Russian gas dollars or euros. The money will be transferred to Gazprombank, which is not under sanctions, and will later be transferred to rubles in Russia.
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