EU Empowers Member States to Halt Russian Gas Imports

The European Union is set to grant member states the authority to block gas imports from Russia and Belarus, allowing them to restrict access to infrastructure for gas operators from these countries in order to protect their security interests. The draft legal text proposed by Brussels is expected to be endorsed by negotiators from member nations and the European Parliament. This move comes as the EU aims to avoid energy price spikes and supply deficits, following last year's record-high prices and concerns over Russia's reduction of gas supplies. Discussions are also underway regarding further economic sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine.