As per recent updates, European Union approves gas imports from Russia since the conflict in Ukraine began, giving a green light to companies to buy gas from Moscow. The decision by the European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm, is a small victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin and a blow to the efforts of the U.S. and its allies to isolate Russia diplomatically and economically. The decision is also a blow to Ukraine and its allies, which had hoped to use the conflict as a way to halt all imports from Russia. The decision came after a series of requests from companies in Italy, France, Germany and elsewhere for authorization to buy gas from Russia.
European gas prices extended losses on Monday.
European companies are starting to move ahead with plans to comply with Russian demands for gas imports. Italy’s Eni and France’s Gaz de France have received the necessary permits to buy gas from Russia. Germany’s Wintershall and E.On, which operate in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, have also received the permits. The companies have said they expect to start buying gas from Russia later this year.
German giant Uniper SE and Austria’s OMV AG have also said they expect gas purchases to continue.
The German giants Uniper and OMV, Austria’s largest oil company, have also said they expect gas purchases to continue. In addition to the gas purchases, the companies have said they plan to supply gas to power plants in Austria and Germany. The moves are a small victory for Russia, which had hoped to use the conflict in Ukraine as a way to isolate its foes diplomatically and economically. The decision by the European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm, is a small victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin and a blow to the efforts of the U.S. and its allies to isolate Russia diplomatically and economically.
“I am disappointed to see that in the European Union there is consent to pay for gas in rubles,” Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Sunday.
