Von der Leyen warns against return to Russian gas

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned that returning to Russian fossil fuels would be a strategic mistake for Europe. She was responding to growing pressure from some politicians and members of the public who, faced with high energy prices, have suggested easing the EU’s current energy policy.

Von der Leyen argued that such a move would mean abandoning the long-term strategy of reducing dependence on Russia and would weaken the European Union’s energy security.

In a speech to the European Parliament, she also indicated that Brussels is preparing new measures aimed at stabilising energy prices.

Among the options under consideration are greater use of long-term energy purchase contracts, expanded state aid possibilities and various forms of support, including subsidies or potential caps on gas prices.

According to available information, the European Commission intends to combine several instruments to ease pressure on households and industry while avoiding a renewed reliance on Moscow for Europe’s energy supplies.

(reuters, pir)