Today, the European Commission will present the final plan for its REPowerEU proposal, which was first discussed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The plan is intended to reduce the EU’s energy dependence on Russia by phasing out fossil fuel imports from the country by 2030, while also contributing to the Union’s climate action objectives of diversifying energy supplies and increasing production of green energy in the EU. The immediate target of the plan is to reduce the EU’s demand for Russian gas by two thirds before the end of the year.  

In light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Heads of State and Government of the Member States adopted the Versailles Declaration, which focused on several issues including reducing the EU’s energy dependence on Russia. In its conclusions of the 24-25 March, the European Council reiterated its intention to phase out Russian gas, oil and coal imports as soon as possible and also called for action to address high energy prices. Following those conclusions, the European Parliament called for an immediate full embargo on Russian imports of oil, coal, nuclear fuel and gas, as well as for the complete abandonement of Nord Stream 1 and 2. The EP also supported futher investment in energy efficiency, renewable energy, gas and electricity storage solutions. 

The EU has to date agreed on five sanctions packages against Russia prosposed by the European Commission, which target over a thousand individuals and eighty entities. The sanctions also include measures that prohibit the sale, supply, transfer or export to Russia of specific goods and technologies in oil refining. Discussions about a sixth package of sanctions against Russia are continuing following President von der Leyen’s proposal of a gradual ban on the import of all Russian oil.  

Key Texts

• European Commission: REPowerEU Communication
• European Council: Versailles Declaration 
• European Parliament: EU Sanctions against Russia Resolution 

Upcoming Dates

• 18 May 2022: College of Commissioners meeting
• 23-24 June 2022: European Council meeting

The European Movement International position

As outlined in our policy position “The European Green Deal ”, EU climate action has the potential to enhance citizens’ wellbeing, and create a more resilient economy in the long run. The Green Deal holds the potential to transform the energy sector and energy-intensive industries, by promoting the investment in renewable energies and energy-efficient solutions and gradually phasing out fossil fuels. Full decarbonisation can only be achieved if the EU accelerates the transition to a circular economy, increases energy efficiency and ends the use of coal, oil and gas while further promoting the use of renewable energies. 

In addition, in our proposals on the “War in Ukraine”, we call on the European Union to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy by decoupling its energy needs from regimes that violate the EU’s fundamental values and by pursuing the implementation of the Green Deal towards climate neutrality.