At least 10 EU countries oppose proposal to cap Russian gas prices
Brussels is facing pressure from at least 10 EU countries to implement a cap on gas prices for all suppliers, with some governments warning that singling out Russia could push President Vladimir Putin to cut supplies to Europe completely, the Financial Times reports.
Member states that oppose European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal to apply a cap solely on Russian gas imports include Italy, Poland and Greece, according to officials.
The lack of consensus on a gas price cap means that the proposal is likely to be discussed only briefly at an emergency meeting of energy ministers on Friday designed to agree on measures to help consumers and companies through the energy crisis, they said.
“Everyone is afraid of the domino effect” if Russia cuts off supply because European states are so interconnected, said a senior EU official. “If you cut off Russian gas only, you infuriate Russia without affecting other suppliers and if you are, say, Portugal who imports no Russian gas, what can you take back to voters?”
Officials said enforcing a price cap on Russian gas would probably require unanimous approval from all 27 EU states because it would be treated as a bloc sanction. A general gas price cap could be passed with a qualified majority.
Hungary, Austria and the Netherlands have voiced reservations about an overall cap.