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Bratislava – The proposed measures by the European Commission (EC) in the action plan for affordable energy will not bring an immediate reduction in energy prices. However, restoring the transit of gas through Ukraine could ensure a decrease. After the Monday (17th of March) meeting of the EU Council for Energy in Brussels, this was pointed out on social media by the Minister of Economy Denisa Saková (Hlas-SD), reports TASR.
“From our perspective, it is absolutely crucial to restore the transit of gas through Ukraine, which would lead to a reduction in energy prices across Europe. This topic was also the subject of a separate meeting with Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen,” stated Saková.
According to her, a quick solution is necessary, as the gas storage facilities in Europe have already fallen below 35% capacity and will need to be refilled again during the summer months.
Saková expects that restoring transit through Ukraine would lead to a decrease in natural gas prices. Currently, they are around 41 euros per megawatt hour on the exchange, whereas last year at the same time they were a quarter less.
In addition to discussing high energy prices, the ministers, according to Saková, also addressed issues of critical infrastructure and the architecture of energy security, which are essential for stable energy supplies in Europe and strengthening European solidarity during crises. “For Slovakia, however, securing the acute safety of gas supplies in our region at acceptable prices remains the highest priority, which requires the restoration of transit from the east through Ukraine through Slovakia towards the west,” added Saková. (March 18)
“From our perspective, it is absolutely crucial to restore the transit of gas through Ukraine, which would lead to a reduction in energy prices across Europe. This topic was also the subject of a separate meeting with Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen.” Denisa Saková.