European Commission launches second round of joint natural gas purchases

The European Commission has launched the second round of joint natural gas purchases for companies from EU member states and Energy Community contracting parties (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and Ukraine). In the first round, held at the end of May and beginning of June, joint purchases secured 11 billion m3 of natural gas.

The European Commission announced last week that it was launching the second round of joint natural gas purchases for European companies through the AggregateEU platform. Companies could submit their demand by 3 June, and gas suppliers will be able to respond to this aggregated demand between 7 and 10 July.

According to the published information, the period covered by the natural gas purchases that European companies can secure in the second round runs from August 2023 to March 2025.

"Joining forces is key to ensuring stable and affordable natural gas supplies for the European market, for both businesses and households. As we enter a crucial phase in filling gas storage facilities, I urge both buyers and suppliers to make the most of this new marketplace and help stabilise the European gas market ahead of the coming winter," said European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič.