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Added on the 08/09/2022 17:13:53 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
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
European Union governments agreed Tuesday to ration natural gas this winter to protect themselves against any further supply cuts by Russia as Moscow pursues its invasion of Ukraine. EU energy ministers approved a draft European law meant to lower demand for gas by 15% from August through March.
EU ministers debated Tuesday how to reduce gas consumption this winter, an act of solidarity for Germany and a response to Russia's manipulation of supplies as an economic weapon. FRANCE 24's Dave Keating reports from Brussels.
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 aim, the Commission said, is to safeguard supply to households and essential users like hospitals and key industries.