The European Union is ready to complete the contract between Naftogaz and Gazprom on the transit of Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine at the end of the year.
This was stated by European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson after a meeting of ministers in Luxembourg.
The EU is ready to complete the transit of Russian gas via Ukraine
— We knew that this contract expires by the end of the year. The European Commission is cooperating with the most affected states to prepare for a zero transit scenario on January 1, 2025, — she said.
Central and South-Eastern Europe already have various supply options to replace the 14 billion cubic meters of Russian gas that passes through Ukraine.
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At the same time, new and existing liquefied natural gas terminals have sufficient capacity. There is also transport infrastructure and various routes for both LNG supply and pipeline imports.
According to the European Commissioner, the European Union may refuse Russian gas — it will be a political choice.
— The EU can live without Russian gas. It is a political choice, and it is dangerous. We must remember that the cost of relations with Russia is measured not only by the price of gas, but also by the lives lost in Ukraine, Kadri Simson noted.
The contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to Europe was signed in 2019. The document is valid for five years.
This spring, Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko announced that the agreements with Russia would not be extended after December 31, 2024, that is, when the contract expires.
