EC – Monitoring the security of gas supply in the European Union

The European Commission (EC) is taking measures to ensure the security of gas supply in the European Union (EU). Since approximately one-quarter of the energy used in the EU is natural gas, and many countries within the EU rely heavily on gas imports, disruptions in the gas supply can have significant impacts. Disruptions can occur due to various reasons, including technical or human failures, natural disasters, cyber-attacks, emerging risks, and geopolitical disputes. In the past, disruptions along a single transport route have affected gas supplies to multiple EU countries. For instance, in 2009, a gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine led to gas supply disruptions in several EU countries. Similarly, in 2017, an explosion at a major gas hub in Austria caused neighboring countries to issue energy emergency warnings. In the autumn of 2021, concerns arose regarding the EU's security of supply due to a spike in energy prices, lower-than-usual storage filling levels, and uncertainties surrounding gas availability. However, the situation escalated further in the first half of 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, leading to unilateral and unjustified supply cuts from Russia to several EU countries. To address these challenges, the EC is implementing legislation aimed at preventing and responding to potential gas supply disruptions. This legislation seeks to enhance the security and diversification of gas supplies in the EU, reduce dependence on single sources or transport routes, and improve coordination between member states. By implementing these measures, the EU aims to strengthen the security of its gas supply and ensure a stable and reliable energy system for its member states.