Le elezioni in Bulgaria e il rischio di un “nuovo Orban” nel cuore della Ue
Dal nostro corrispondente Beda Romano
Energy shock, EU considers joint use of paraffin reserves
Besides new flexibility in state aid, Brussels intends to suggest cost-saving measures, including teleworking, and above all to map paraffin needs. It could also propose a solidarity redistribution of reserves between member states
from our correspondent Beda Romano
BRUSSELS - As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen anticipated on Monday, the EU executive intends to present a series of measures to counter the energy shock caused by the US and Israeli war against Iran. In addition to new flexibility in state aid, Brussels intends to suggest cost-saving measures, including teleworking, and above all to map paraffin needs.
The war in the Persian Gulf has not only caused a sharp increase in the price of oil and gas. It has also highlighted the dependence on fossil fuels of some countries and sectors, in particular transport. In the communication that is due to be presented on Wednesday, on the eve of a European summit in Cyprus, the Commission will reiterate the urgency of moving towards environmental transition.
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As mentioned, the sector most at risk is transport. At the moment, 'there are no fuel shortages in the European Union', EU spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen explained yesterday. However, she added, 'if the situation in the Strait of Hormuz continues, the EU will prepare to propose possible coordinated measures regarding aviation fuels'. The stance came before Tehran announced freedom of transit through the strait.
According to information gathered here in Brussels, paraffin will be the focus of the next communication. Forty per cent of the aviation fuel used in Europe is imported from third countries. The Commission should therefore announce a mapping of European reserves, as well as EU production and the origin of imports. It could also propose a solidarity redistribution of reserves between member countries.
In this context, the Commission should also suggest an increase in refining capacities in Europe. In contrast to the energy shock caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Brussels does not intend, for the time being, to propose an increase in taxation on the profits of energy companies. However, Ms von der Leyen has announced a summit with the private sector to coordinate new investments in environmental transition.
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