Search

Your results

Showing 10 of 46 results

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU took immediate action to stem rising energy prices and secure energy supply to its Member States. In its communication on the REPowerEU plan from March 2022, the European Commission proposed that the Member States use joint purchasing, collecting of orders and matching of supply and demand to support gas storage refilling operations. The Commission also proposed a 'joint European platform' to lead bilateral negotiations with major ...

The 2022 energy crisis following Russia's aggression against Ukraine brought about challenges relating to energy security and affordability in the EU. Thanks to several measures taken last year, energy shortages have so far been avoided. However, the EU must now prepare for next winter, when it might be more difficult to ensure sufficient gas storage. Members of the European Parliament will have the possibility to question the European Commission on this topic at 'question time' during the March ...

The European Commission has adopted a proposal to improve the functioning of EU gas markets during the current energy crisis. It introduces a joint purchasing tool, seeks to improve efficiency and security of gas supply, and limits prices and volatility. The proposed Council regulation is under discussion among EU Member States.

The escalation of Russia's war on Ukraine, and recent incidents – such as the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage – highlight the urgent need to protect the EU's key infrastructure against physical and digital threats, including hybrid attacks. The European Parliament will use its powers of oversight in the revived 'question time', during the October II plenary session, to question the European Commission on the issue.

Regulation on gas storage

At a Glance 20-06-2022

On 23 March 2022, the European Commission proposed an urgent regulation on gas storage to counter the risks of an interruption of gas supplies from Russia. The Parliament and Council negotiated this regulation under an expedited procedure, with a provisional agreement reached on 19 May 2022. The Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee endorsed the agreed text, which is set for vote during the June II plenary session.

Trans-European energy infrastructure

At a Glance 30-03-2022

During the April 2022 plenary session, Parliament will be voting on the text of a revised TEN-E Regulation, agreed in trilogue negotiations in late 2021. The TEN-E Regulation outlines rules for projects of common interest (PCIs) in energy infrastructure. PCIs are priority projects that either greatly benefit the single market or improve security of supply in the EU; some are eligible for EU funding. The revised TEN-E Regulation would require PCIs to meet stronger environmental sustainability criteria ...

The poisoning of Alexey Navalny

At a Glance 21-09-2020

EU-Russia relations hit a new low in August 2020, after Alexey Navalny, one of Russia's leading opposition activists, was poisoned by a banned nerve agent. Although the perpetrators have not yet been identified, the attack has to be seen in the context of repression and growing discontent against Putin. In response to this clear breach of international law and human rights, the EU is considering additional sanctions against Moscow.

In November 2017, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal to fully apply key provisions of the 2009 Gas Directive to gas pipelines between the European Union (EU) and third countries. Member States would need to cooperate with third countries to ensure full compliance with EU rules. The revised directive was seen by many observers as a part of the broader EU response to the Gazprom-led Nord Stream 2 project, which the European Commission publicly opposes. The Parliament adopted its ...

Despite being strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Central Asia has long been poorly connected: remote, landlocked, cut off from the main population centres of Europe and Asia by empty steppes and rugged mountains. As well as physical barriers, regulatory obstacles and political repression often inhibit the free flow of people, goods, services and ideas. However, in 2013 China announced its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), one of whose aims is to revive the historic Silk Road ...

Russia and other energy-rich authoritarian states use their energy exports for economic gains but also as a tool of foreign policy leverage. This study looks at the ways and methods these states have used to exert political pressure through their energy supplies, and what it means for the European Union. Most energy-rich authoritarian states use their energy wealth to ensure regime survival. But, more than others, Russia uses its energy wealth as well to protect and promote its interests in its ‘ ...