Liberals and democrats are proud to have been key players in putting a definite end to Russian gas imports to the European Union. The historic deal reached between the European Parliament and Council early this morning is a milestone in strengthening the Union’s energy independence and security.
The major wins we secured for our citizens include an accelerated timeline, which advances the end date for long-term contracts for Russian LGN from 1 January 2028 to 1 January 2027 and for pipelines from 1 January 2028 to 30 September 2027. We also ensured that the regulation not only bans the import of Russian gas, but also includes the introduction of penalties for companies that violate the regulation as well as an obligation for all Member States to submit energy diversification plans. The European Commission committed themselves to presenting a legislative proposal at the beginning of next year on phasing out Russian oil no later than the end of 2027, which we welcome.
Katri Kulmuni (Centre Party, Finland), Renew Europe’s representative on behalf of the Committee of Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) says:
"The EU must free itself from all dependencies. Financing Putin’s war through energy imports must come to an end. Finally, we have a clear path for phasing out Russian gas in the EU."
Katri KulmuniRenew Europe MEP, Finland, Suomen Keskusta
Ľubica Karvašová (Progressive Slovakia), Renew Europe’s representative on behalf of the Committee on International Trade, says:
“Today’s agreement is a historic step towards eliminating dependencies on Putin’s Russia which has turned into an aggressor and into an unreliable supplier. The less we import from Russia, the less we finance Putin’s war: for now, we contribute around a billion euros monthly to Putin’s war chest. I’m confident that all EU Member States will manage diversification away from Russian energy imports for the sake of our own energy security.
The negotiations showed the united resolve of a strong pro-European majority. I’m equally proud to be part of Renew Europe’s negotiating team that decisively contributed to this European effort. What was once unimaginable is now a reality."
Ľubica KarvašováRenew Europe MEP, Slovakia, Progresívne Slovensko