At Tuesday's presentation of a joint action plan to survive a winter without Russian gas, Ursula von der Leyen explained the proposal's "rules of solidarity" - that all member states can get gas from others in crisis situations, for a "fair compensation".
According to the proposal, the countries will have 12 hours to raise their hand to help, reports Politico, and three days to deliver.
Joint leverage
In addition to compulsorily closing up behind each other, it is proposed that the EU countries also begin joint gas purchases.
- It is logical that instead of bidding against each other, we use our combined purchasing power as leverage, says Ursula von der Leyen at the press conference.
No price cap – yet
A new pricing index for liquefied natural gas, LNG - which the commission says better reflects today's market - is in the works but will not take effect until next year.
Until then, the Union remains vulnerable and the new crisis plan preserves the possibility of price caps in emergency situations, according to Ursula von der Leyen.
- We are developing a mechanism that limits excess gas prices, if necessary, she says.
Next step
Tuesday's proposal is to be considered already on Thursday when the heads of state and government of the EU countries - for the first time with Ulf Kristersson (M) as Swedish Prime Minister - gather for the regular summit in Brussels.
It will then be up to the energy ministers of the member states to continue the discussion at their upcoming meeting in Luxembourg on Tuesday next week.