European Commission set to reduce EU's dependence on Russian gas

The European Commission intends to implement 14 energy projects in order to reduce EU's dependence on Russian gas. To this end, already existing gas transmission infrastructure will be upgraded with a number of new gas pipelines.

This was announced by the EU Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete, Censor.NET reports citing DW.

In particular, Brussels intends to launch six projects in the Baltic countries and Southeast Europe, as these regions are mostly dependent on Russian gas supply. For example, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland will be connected to the pan-European gas transmission network. Hungary will enjoy a pipeline from Croatia, while Bulgaria and Romania will receive gas from Greece. Another two projects are aimed at improving gas supply between Spain, Portugal, and France.

The European Commission's plans have been developed in the framework of the natural gas reception, transportation, and storage strategy being part of the European energy security concept. To achieve this, Brussels will offer nine countries assuming the role of "energy regions" capable of providing necessary assistance for their EU neighbors in the case of energy crisis.

At the moment, one third of EU gas needs is satisfied by supplies from Russia.