US minister: EU should end imports of Russian fossil fuels faster

Brussels, 12 September (CTK) - The European Union could end imports of Russian gas and oil faster, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in Brussels today, according to Reuters. This would help end the war in Ukraine, he said. In June, the European Commission proposed gradually stopping all imports of Russian gas and oil into the EU by the end of 2027. Slovakia and Hungary in particular oppose the proposal.

At an event organised by the think tank Center for European Policy Studies, the US energy secretary urged the remaining buyers of Russian fossil fuels in the EU to stop and buy from the US instead. It would be better for Europe to get its supplies from “its friends”, he added. Asked by the Brussels-based Politico whether countries such as Hungary and Slovakia, which have opposed the European Commission’s efforts to gradually end Russian gas supplies, should finally terminate their agreements with the Kremlin, Wright replied: “Absolutely.”

The proposal put forward by the Commission bans imports of natural gas originating in Russia or exported directly or indirectly from Russia, as well as the provision of services at LNG terminals in the European Union to customers from Russia.

The proposed regulation will be considered under the ordinary legislative procedure, meaning its adoption will depend on the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, which represents the member states. Adoption by the Council will require a qualified majority. This means Budapest and Bratislava could be outvoted.