EU energy ministers on Tuesday hammered out a deal to curb their natural gas consumption to avert an energy meltdown as Russia toys with its supply to the bloc.
The agreement reached by the 27 EU ministers provided exemptions to a handful of nations that face particular energy problems. But it still calls on all nations to cut their natural gas consumption by 15 per cent between now and spring, as outlined in the initial proposal by the European Commission.
The compromise signified an important step in managing the bloc’s dependence on Russian energy and the vulnerabilities it breeds as the Kremlin tries to punish Europe for its support of Ukraine. It also highlighted the continued ability of the European Union to forge agreement and overcome divisions after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Unanimity was not required to pass the proposal, but all bar one of the 27 member states ended up supporting the compromise, diplomats involved in the process said. The single country to vote against it was Hungary, which has emerged as a spoiler in the latest round of critical votes on topics relating to Ukraine. Still, the country wasn’t able to veto the deal.
