The EU Commission’s proposed guideline to cut gas consumption in the EU by 15% was rejected by member countries faster than one could say “fifteen per cent.”
Greece, Portugal, Spain and Italy used strong words to reject the Commission proposal, which was formulated without consulting member countries. The finanzmarktwelt website speaks about “a humiliation” for EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“We cannot assume a disproportionate sacrifice on which we have not even been asked for a prior opinion,” said the third vice-premier and Minister for Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera Rodriguez, according to El País. In a press conference held hours after the European Commission unveiled its plan, Ribera said that the plan does not consider “either the most effective, nor the most efficient, nor the fairest.” Whatever happens, she said, “Spanish families will not suffer gas or electricity cuts in their homes.”
The Spanish government, she said, has opted for “savings and efficiency” in gas consumption, but does not consider the hypothesis of restricting it to “any type of consumer.” Spain defends European values and will show solidarity with the rest of the Union, “but not at the expense of domestic and industrial consumers,” that have been paying “a very high bill for a long time” and “do not deserve restrictions or rationing.” “Spain is a country committed to solidarity, but we have to see what is the best way to offer solidarity, which is probably more linked to the ability to use our infrastructure to support member states that depended on gas delivered by pipeline.”
