EU Countries Determined to Forget Russian Gas

JAKARTA – Austria has reportedly agreed to completely eliminate the supply Russian gas in his country in 2027. This news was conveyed by the Kurier media, citing a draft of an official document.

Austria’s decision is in line with Brussels’ determination to reduce dependence on Russian energy imports to protect the economy and households from the risks of price spikes and supply shortages.

The Courier also noted that the country’s energy giant Russia Gazprom currently supplies 80 to 90% of Austria’s gas. “The President of the European Commission has committed to the goal of phasing out Russian natural gas supplies across Europe by 2027,” the document said.

“Austria is also committed to this goal,” he continued.

The document explains that phasing out Russian gas will be done as part of an overall strategy to transform the energy system, which takes into account decarbonization, security of supply and affordability for households, businesses and industry equally.

“Particular attention must be paid to ensuring that households and businesses are given the best support in this change,” he explained.

The move was reportedly pushed by the Green Alternative Party, which is part of the governing coalition, and remains the final hurdle in negotiations on a new security strategy, which the government had planned to present by the end of last year.

The Austrian People’s Party (OVP) reportedly agreed to the request in exchange for the Greens approving Finance Minister Magnus Brunner as Austria’s candidate to serve as European commissioner in the next term.

Austria’s Energy Security Strategy is currently being finalized by the Federal Chancellor and is scheduled to be reported in the coming weeks.