EU countries want to extend the rule for full gas stores

The EU countries want to maintain the obligation to fill their gas stores by the end of 2027. Specifically, it is about maintaining a regulation applicable by the end of 2027, according to which the memory must generally be filled at least 90 percent at a certain point in time, the countries said. In the case of « unfavorable market conditions » such as market manipulations, Member States should be allowed to deviate from the filling goal by up to ten percent.

The position of the states goes back to a proposal from the EU Commission, according to which the 90 percent goal should be reached on November 1 at the latest. The member countries want more flexibility here. The goal is to be achieved between October 1 and December 1st. In order for the rules to come into force, a compromise with the EU Parliament still has to be negotiated.

The gas storage regulation was issued in mid -2022 and aimed to ensure the gas supply of the EU. According to the EU countries, the regulation has improved security of supply in Europe during the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s war of aggression.