European Union officials are examining the possibility of accelerating the phaseout of Russian gas by one year, according to reports from Reuters. While the proposal has not yet been finalized, diplomats have indicated that member states are unlikely to agree to push the ban up by a full year. However, the demand could still be used as leverage in the upcoming negotiations.
The decision to phase out Russian gas is part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on energy imports from the country, following the invasion of Ukraine in 2’th March 2022. The EU has been working to diversify its energy sources, with a focus on increasing the use of renewable energy and securing alternative supply routes. The potential acceleration of the phaseout timeline could have significant implications for energy markets and the economies of both the EU and Russia.
European diplomats emphasized that while the accelerated timeline may not gain unanimous support, it could serve as a strategic bargaining chip in the negotiations. The outcome of these discussions will likely depend on the balance of interests among member states, as well as the economic and political pressures from both sides. Analysts suggest that the EU’s approach is carefully calibrated to ensure energy security while minimizing economic disruption for its members.