EU Russian gas ban: political impetus hits legal reality

Negotiations on the European Union’s long term, multiyear budget kick off on 16 July. But with EU countries divided on everything from climate and the economy to security and defence, not everyone sees eye to eye on just how to allocate the €1.2 trillion potentially at stake. Ahead of negotiations for the post-2027 EU budget, which could last up to two years, Contexte examines the process that lies ahead.

Denmark takes over the EU Council presidency on 1 July and is determined to work at full speed to also strike a deal with MEPs on the proposal to phase out Russian gas imports. In an interview with Contexte, Energy and Climate Minister Lars Aagaard says he is 'cautious’ about simplifying energy law through an omnibus package, and worries about allowing too much flexibility on a 2040 EU climate target. Nuclear power is ‘part of the solution’, he says — but he’s sceptical of partisan arguments focused on individual technologies.

The European Commission made a legal proposal on 17 June to ban imports of Russian gas. It contains clear details on timelines and transparency and starts the clock ticking on what Brussels hopes will be an end to Europe’s energy ties with Moscow. Contexte looks at the gory details.