The disruption of supplies in the "gas war" between Russia and Ukraine in winter 2008 left millions of people in 17 European countries shivering in their homes. Now, MEPs will debate a package of new measures that aim to create a gas community in Europe to provide support between countries. In addition they want to define priorities for supply such as hospitals, schools and vulnerable people. We spoke to Spanish MEP Alejo Vidal-Quadras (EPP) who is guiding the regulation through Parliament.
In the case of a gas crisis, your report suggests securing gas supplies to vulnerable households and essential services like schools & hospitals. How will this be possible?
AVQ: The regulation lays down that Member States should make sure that gas companies guarantee the supply to protected customers (including homes and essential services) for at least 30 days in the event of a crisis. It is true that some countries, due to their particular situation (e.g. those dependent on a single supplier) would have more difficulties. That is why the rules allow supply to be assured by gas reserves in another European Union country. Solidarity is key in this respect.
With respect to priorities, it is clear that the first duty of any public authority is to guarantee supply to its citizens. Member States would have to identify the priorities in their preventive and emergency plans depending on their national situation.
news source: European parliament link: article
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