Amending Regulation (EU)2017/1938 as regards the role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season

Wording as published by the EP, in English.

1. Amendment 2Rejected

   Recital 8 a (new)

   Tabled by Dario Tamburrano · The Left

   Added: (8 a) Member States should have the possibility to deviate by up to four percentage points from the filling target set out in Article 6a, paragraph 1, of Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 if they deploy gas demand reduction measures, such as mechanisms decoupling electricity prices from gas prices to encourage switching from gas to electricity, which would achieve reduction levels equivalent to the requested deviation during the following withdrawal season.

2. Amendment 3Rejected

   Recital 9 a (new)

   Tabled by Dario Tamburrano · The Left

   Added: (9 a) Recalls the important role of consulting stakeholders, including civil society, through the Gas Coordination Group to ensure the effectiveness of the provisions included in this Regulation. To this end, it is of fundamental importance that the European Commission ensures transparency of its working, inter alia by promptly sending invitations to the members of the group, together with detailed draft agendas, informing whether some meetings take place in a restricted format, and by publishing detailed minutes of the meetings in a timely manner.

3. Amendment 4Rejected

   Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)

   Tabled by Dario Tamburrano · The Left

   Added: Article 6a, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1 is replaced by the following: Subject to paragraphs 2 to 5, Member States shall meet the filling target of 90 % for the aggregated capacity of all underground gas storage facilities that are located on their territory and directly interconnected to a market area in their territory and for storage facilities listed in Annex Ib at any point in time between 1 October and 1 December each year.

4. Amendment 5Rejected

   Article 1 a (new)

   Tabled by Dario Tamburrano · The Left

   Added: Article 1a In Article 6a, paragraph 5a is added 5a. Notwithstanding paragraph 1 and without prejudice to the obligation of other Member States to fill the underground gas storage facilities concerned, Member States may decide to deviate by up to four percentage points, from the filling target set out in paragraph 1 for each Member State if, under prior approval of the measure by the European Commission, they deploy gas demand reduction measures, such as mechanisms decoupling electricity prices from gas prices to encourage switching from gas to electricity, which will achieve reduction levels equivalent to the requested deviation during the following withdrawal season.

5. Amendment 7Adopted

   Recital 1 a (new)

   Tabled by Marie Toussaint · Greens/EFA

   Added: (1 a) In view of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and in line with the Union’s strategic commitment to end its dependence on Russian fossil fuels, Member States should refrain from storing gas of Russian origin. In this context, the Union should pursue coordinated and immediate sanctions on the import and purchases of all Russian gas, including liquefied natural gas (LNG). The ENTSO-G Winter Supply Outlook 2024–2025 confirms that the Union can achieve its storage targets and maintain the security of supply without relying on Russian gas, by implementing a combination of measures, including continued demand reduction. A full embargo on Russian gas is therefore both necessary and feasible, and its swift implementation would contribute to strengthening the Union’s energy sovereignty and geopolitical resilience.

6. Amendment 8Rejected

   Recital 10 a (new)

   Tabled by Marie Toussaint · Greens/EFA

   Added: (10 a) As approximately 90% of the Union’s gas consumption is covered by imports, the Union’s reliance on fossil gas represents a major vulnerability for energy security. Eliminating this dependency is essential to ensure a resilient, secure and sovereign energy system. In order to achieve climate neutrality and to bring a definitive end to fossil fuel dependence, fossil gas consumption must be fully phased out, and replaced by domestically produced renewable energy. Only then can the Union guarantee a secure and sustainable energy future.