Von der Leyen’s proposal for a cap on Russian gas is a “thorn” for Athens
Its president Commission Ursula von der Leyen gave the kick-off for another one yesterday European debate regarding rapid intervention measures in the energy market. Von Dern Leyen’s proposal, however, was received with… mixed feelings in Athens, as on the one hand there is satisfaction with the fact that Europe seems to be moved by the proposals as well is in Athens’ options, on the other hand the proposal for a ceiling on the price of Russian gas (that is, a ceiling on the pipeline) causes concern in Greek government.
As competent sources explained to protothema.gr, the Greek government is satisfied with the fact that the European Union is gradually joining positions that Mr. Mitsotakis. For example, from the proposals presented by Mrs. von der Leyen before it Council of Energy Ministers tomorrow, Friday, the Greek government is satisfied with the ‘ceiling’ on the wholesale price of various gas technologies (RES, lignite, etc.), and with an emphasis on the taxation of the surplus profits of energy companies. The same sources, in fact, explained that, on certain issues, the Greek approach is even more forward-looking than the European one.
The “thorn”, of course, is Mrs von der Leyen’s insistence on her own position on a gas cap, which was not included in the non-paper that had edited the Commission’s page. The position in question, of course, as directly warned by Vladimir Putin, it will result in Russia abruptly closing the tap to Europe, at a time when European readiness is not absolute and the stocks that have been gathered in European warehouses are enough, roughly, until the end of the year, that is, in the middle of winter.
And Athens may not want to upset her European unity, however, there is no lack of concern for the proposal regarding natural gas. “Targeting the cap on Russian gas has risks. It can arm Putin’s hand for disruption,” a senior government source told protothema.gr, insisting that the intervention should concern the gas pricing method (TTF). “We need to act together, but not by shooting ourselves in the foot,” said another government source, stressing that it is not desirable to cut off the flow of gas, however our country it is estimated that it is in a better position due to the significant supplies that are routed with LNG.
However, the common “match” has already started, as Czech EU Presidency. came out against Mrs von der Leyen, making it clear that he disagrees with the idea of a cap on gas and would not want it to be discussed at the upcoming Council of Energy Ministers. And Germany, according to phenomena, he is not enthusiastic about the Commission president’s proposal, unlike France which has no problem, given its minimal dependence on Russian gas. In any case, for any cases, more time will be required, while it is possible that the Energy Ministers on Friday will not come to final decisions.
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