“EU countries will have to purchase 15% of gas volumes through group purchases” | Energy prices

On Thursday and Friday, the energy crisis and the fight against high energy prices will be at the center of a new European summit. In view of that summit, concrete proposals are awaited from the European Commission. The following week, it is then up to the energy ministers to make formal decisions. After all, it remains for the Member States to take decisions.

One of the ways to keep prices low is to organize group purchases between EU countries. They should be able to use their combined economic weight to impose good prices on suppliers. Specifically, it is gas that can be used next season to replenish reserves.

“I think it could be accepted by the Member States if we say that 15 percent of the volumes ordered have to be bought in batches from companies that use that gas,” said Reynders. You had just finished a meeting with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other Commissioners. Reynders himself is responsible for justice.

The thorniest point of discussion in recent weeks has been the introduction of a cap on the price of gas. Many countries, including Belgium, want a general price cap. Others, like Germany, are holding back. They argue that suppliers will look for other markets and that Europe’s security of supply could be jeopardized as a result.

“Regarding the price of gas, we will ask for group purchases. Member States have said they want to do it voluntarily, but we want it to be mandatory, “Reynders said.

“We therefore need to negotiate with our partner countries. Norway and the United States sell gas to us. We can ask them to make an effort, right? For example, the United States sells its gas well above its domestic price, “continued Reynders.” But the debate that really divides EU countries is the fear of setting a price too low and endangering deliveries. find a balance in this. We will convince the Member States to continue along this path ”.

In a Twitter post, von der Leyen announced moments later that the Commission would adopt its proposals during Tuesday’s weekly conference.