Ana Stanič
A worst-case scenario of the implications of the proposed legislation could be tensions that test the bloc’s very unity
One of the more frustrating aspects of the current EU plan to put a cap on the continent’s gas price is that, while working to accelerated timescales, its politicians and policy wonks have had months to come up with a workable solution. That they have come up with such a flawed scheme cannot be blamed solely on lack of time.
Capping the price of gas was first discussed at European Council level as long ago as May this year. Then, in early September, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, floated the idea of capping the price of Russian gas.
Key reasons
Her proposal was quickly abandoned for two key reasons: firstly, amounting to a sanction, its adoption required unanimity that was not achievable given the objection of Hungary; secondly, because it was clear Russia’s Gazprom would refuse to sell gas at capped prices. Since EU gas buyers have take-or-pay contracts with Gazprom, their refusal to pay for gas at prices above the cap would expose them to damages claims for undelivered contracted volumes. And, left without gas to sell on to their customers, they would in turn be exposed to further damages claims.
Nadaljujte z branjem→
You must be logged in to post a comment.