Crisis in Ukraine: Brussels and Washington reflect on the key issue of gas

The ice of the Gulf of Finland, in front of the headquarters of the Russian gas giant Gazprom in Saint Petersburg, Thursday January 13, 2022. AP - Dmitri Lovetsky

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1 min

As tensions persist on the borders of Ukraine and Russia, can Europe avoid the possible consequences on its natural gas supply?

It depends almost 40% on the Russian Federation.

For several days, discussions have intensified between the EU and the United States in order to find alternative sources for Europeans.

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US number one Joe Biden and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, say they are working together to ensure Europe has a continuous, sufficient and punctual supply of natural gas in case Russia closes the floodgates to Europeans.

In a joint statement on Friday, they say they are collaborating with governments and market operators from various sources around the world.

Without specifically citing the sources in question, the leaders refer to North Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

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Next Monday, Joe Biden is due to discuss the issue with the Emir of Qatar, whose country shares the position of leading gas exporter with Australia.

Not far behind is the United States, whose gas exports reached record levels last year.

In recent weeks, several dozen cargo ships from the United States have been rerouted from Asia to Europe.

In the plan B in preparation, Brussels also wants to strengthen the storage capacities of its Member States, but also find the means to ensure the long-term energy security of Ukraine.

►Also read: Boris Johnson pleads for a diplomatic solution to the crisis around Ukraine

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• Joe Biden

• Ursula von der Leyen

• Energies

• Ukraine

• United States

• Russia

• European Union