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Added on the 28/04/2022 19:13:46 - Copyright : Euronews EN
The European Commission says it is launching legal action against Poland over its creation of a controversial body probing "Russian influence" that is seen as targeting the opposition. Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said the commission had "agreed to start an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice" to Warsaw. The announcement of the infringement procedure came despite Polish President Andrzej Duda saying last week he would propose amending the law on the panel after criticism from the EU's executive and the United States. SOUNDBITE
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warns that the eurozone could fall into recession next year in the case of a total shutdown of Russian gas supplies. The "downside scenario" for 2023 foresees negative growth in the case of a "total shutdown of all Russian gas supply" and energy rationing in the eurozone, she said, after the ECB unleashed a record rate hike. SOUNDBITE
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen warns that "Russia is blackmailing" EU member states and "using energy as a weapon." Russian President Vladimir Putin has played hot and cold in recent days with his threats to cut off gas deliveries to the bloc of 27 members, but Brussels is asking EU countries to prepare for the worst. SOUNDBITE
The European Commission urges EU countries to reduce their demand for natural gas by 15 percent over the coming winter months to overcome Russia's energy supply "blackmail". SOUNDBITE
Extraordinary meeting of EU Ministers of energy in Brussels. They meet in the context of Russian gas supply issue amid the country's conflict with Ukraine. IMAGES
The EU must impose oil and gas sanctions on Russia "sooner or later", European Council chief Charles Michel tells the European Parliament. SOUNDBITE