Plans to refill Europe’s gas reserves more quickly to ensure supply during the cold season will be voted on by MEPs, in the wake of Russia’s war against Ukraine.The new regulation, already agreed upon with EU ministers, sets a mandatory minimum level of gas in storage facilities of 80% by 1 November 2022, but member states and operators should strive to reach 85%. Opening statements by Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Rapporteur, vicepresident of the European Commission in charge of the Green Deal.

Brussels

plenary session

vote

TIMMERMANS, Frans (NL, EC)

energy union (T)

BUŞOI, Cristian-Silviu (EPP, RO)

Gas storage: opening statements by Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Rapporteur, and by Frans TIMMERMANS, vicepresident of the European Commission in charge of the Green Deal

SOUNDBITE (English), Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Rapporteur, The 24 March European Summit, President of European Parliament Roberta Metsola told the heads of state and governments that the Parliament was ready to deliver the necessary political deal to ensure that our gas storage was filled next winter. I'm very glad to be here today in front of you and on behalf of the committee to tell you that indeed we have.

SOUNDBITE (English), Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Rapporteur, On April 7, this chamber entrusted the ITRE Committee to negotiate this crucial piece of legislation. And on May 19, we reached a political agreement between legislators after long hours of negotiations in what was a second trialogue. The legislation, which, if adopted, will enter into force in July, gives member states the possibility to take numerous measures to achieve the target, but also wants to ensure that non market based measures are only used when the market cannot do it alone.

SOUNDBITE (English), Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Rapporteur, It will ensure that our gas shortages are filled at a minimum 80 percent capacity by November this year, aiming for 85 percent and from next year, minimum 90 percent. And above all, this agreement shows the will of the EU institutions and member states to act together in solidarity to strengthen the EU's resilience and preparedness against external threats and in protection of European citizens.

SOUNDBITE (English), Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Rapporteur, In addition, understanding the gravity of the situation generated by the Russian war against Ukraine, we have introduced a certification procedure by which every storage operator will have to demonstrate they are not a danger to our security of supply or our national security if they wish to retain ownership of storage. We'll not allow those wanting to influence and threaten our way of life to access to our critical infrastructure.

SOUNDBITE (English), Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Rapporteur, We also introduced a voluntary mechanism for joint procurement of gas, and I congratulate the European Commission for moving very fast to nominate Deputy Director general and to set up this platform and the regional platforms, because we need that in order to offset possible price increases that arrive from the storage filling obligations.

SOUNDBITE (English), Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Rapporteur, The House made it clear that the measures to fulfil our targets will be taken with a clear idea that we have to protect our security of supply and diversify our sources. Sadly, the work is still going on and the political games played by Russia with our gas supplies only have confirmed that our actions are justified and that sooner rather than later we have to cut ourselves off our toxic dependency of Russian fossil fuels. Our work will continue in that direction and through that December gas and hydrogen package, the Power EU plan and a speedy implementation of the Fit for 55 measures, we will, I'm sure, deliver once again.

SOUNDBITE (English), Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Rapporteur, Allow me to finish by quickly underlining the outstanding job done by the Parliament's negotiating team led by President Buzek and composed by Patrizia Toia, Kleman Groselj, Marie Toussaint, Paolo Borchia, Professor Zdzislaw Krasnodebski, and Sandra Pereira. They have worked under a lot of pressure, but in a consensual manner, representing their groups faithfully and constructively.

SOUNDBITE (English), Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO), Rapporteur, Therefore, Mr President, Executive Vice-president of the European Commission, I conclude my statement today congratulating my colleagues and showing them my full gratitude and appreciation, thanking the European Commission for the initiative and a very good cooperation during the negotiations, and also thanking the member states, the European Council, the Council of European Union, for the very constructive attitude. Thank you so much.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, We know that energy security is the main topic of the day for many reasons, Russia has weaponized energy and we have seen further gas disruptions announced in recent days. All this is part of Russia's strategy to undermine our unity. In total, 12 member states are now affected by Russian unilateral supply cuts. Ten member states have issued an early warning under the gas security of supply regulation. So the risk of a full gas disruption is now more real than ever before.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, That is why the adoption of the gas storage regulation, together with other preparedness measures, is so important at this moment. The good news is that the political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council has already led to results. Our current gas storage levels, which are above 50 percent of our capacity is well above last year's situation. So now is the time to go the extra mile.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, The gas storage regulation includes not only a minimum obligatory level, but gas storage facilities have to be reach by the 1st of November each year. It also includes a trajectory and a monitoring system to ensure we meet our target. The first monitoring verification will happen in August this year, so we need to be ready by that time.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, The regulation was announced on the 8th of March, proposed on the and 23 the political of March, agreement was reached with the Council on the 19th of May. This was a record time and it is, I want to echo what the honourable member Busoiu said, this is really thanks to the excellent work of the committee and the negotiating team. I'm really grateful for what you have done. This is remarkable.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, So let me highlight some important points of the regulation. First we welcome that the political agreement is an 80 percent fitting target for 2022 with an important political commitment to seek to reach eighty five percent at EU level. The following target will rise to 90 percent for next year and will stay in place until the 31st of December 2025. Member states without storage capacity will also need to contribute in the spirit of solidarity to ensure that this level is achieved.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, Second, we welcome that an agreement was reached on the fitting trajectories with enforceable trajectories, and intermediary targets already identified and included in the Act of 2022. Third, for first time ever, there will be a procedure to certify storage operators to make sure that influenced by third-country entities does not risk the security of the Union or any member state.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, Fourth, the regulation includes a provision on voluntary joint procurement for gas. As you know, the last month, the College of Commissioners adopted the creation of an energy platform task force and I also want to thank the honourable member Busoi for referring to it. Finally, member states have reiterated their commitment to the energy efficiency first principle. So the regulation is based on a fair and balanced burden sharing mechanism.

SOUNDBITE (English), Frans TIMMERMANS, Executive Vice-President of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, The unity and solidarity that the member states and the European institutions show have been a pivotal signal to the markets, to our citizens, but also to our adversary. He will not be able to divide us. We will stay united and we will make sure that Ukraine will come out of this as a free, independent country that is allowed to make its own choices of its allegiance. Thank you very much.