Jacques Serais 8:30 p.m., March 25, 2022
Discussions are continuing in Brussels, within the framework of the three summits of the G7, the European Union and NATO.
The question of buying Russian gas now arises, with the trail of EU negotiations with producers on behalf of all Europeans.
The challenge is to reduce dependence vis-à-vis Moscow.
In Brussels, discussions about the war in Ukraine are continuing between the member countries of the G7, the European Union and NATO.
The question of group purchases is at the heart of the discussions of the Twenty-Seven.
The European Commission proposes that the Union negotiates with gas producers on behalf of all Europeans.
The idea would be to do as during the Covid-19 epidemic with the purchase of vaccines purchased in common.
Large quantities to be stronger in negotiations and lower prices.
Another point debated between the leaders: the fact of setting a course, of setting a ceiling on the prices at which the Europeans would be ready to buy Russian gas.
But the Twenty-Seven do not all agree.
Spain and France are among the countries that are most in favor of these devices, while Germany and the Netherlands are much more reluctant.
Consequently, the exchanges drag on in Brussels.
The goal?
Reduce Russian gas imports
“We are coming together to reduce European dependence on Russian energy,” Joe Biden announced on Friday.
"Russian energy sources are used to bring to their knees states that buy them from home. Earlier this month, the United States announced a ban on the import of all Russian energy so as not to fuel the unjustified and wanton war in Ukraine."
>> Find Europe evening in replay and podcast here
This is a first step for Europe.
The objective of the European Commission is to reduce this year by two-thirds its imports of Russian gas, in particular by diversifying suppliers, at the risk of embarking on a new dependence with the United States.