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Added on the 20/07/2022 12:19:49 - Copyright : Euronews EN
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
In Luxembourg, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner says it is not yet possible for the EU to cut Russian gas imports as a sanction against Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. SOUNDBITE
The EU should seek to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2040, its climate commissioner says, proposing a new interim target towards making the bloc carbon neutral in 2050. "Based on the best available science, and a detailed impact assessment, we are recommending that the 2040 target should be a 90 percent emission cut" compared to 1990 levels, says commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, calling for a "fair transition" that will allow EU businesses to thrive. SOUNDBITE
The first snow of the winter blankets the armoured vehicle-tracked roads in east Ukraine's frontline Donetsk region as the conflict with Russia drags on. Winter snow, mud and ice are expected to force a lull in Ukraine's months-long counteroffensive to retake territory occupied by Moscow's forces. IMAGES