EU Pushes to Bolster Energy Security Ahead of Biden Meeting

  • EU seeks tougher gas storage rules, calls for joint purchases
  • President Biden to join meeting of European leaders March 24
Photographer: Oliver Bunic/Bloomberg
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The European Union proposed tougher rules to quickly replenish the bloc’s depleted natural gas reserves and outlined short-term emergency options to shield the economy from the impact of an energy crisis aggravated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The EU’s executive arm on Wednesday adopted a draft regulation that requires countries to ensure that storages are filled up to 80% before next winter and 90% in the following years. In addition, it introduces a certification system to better control facilities owned by third-country operators such as Gazprom PJSC. The European Commission also called for joint purchases of gas by member states to help secure the best conditions.