European Union Leaders: "We Will Get Rid of Russian Fossil Fuels"

At the European Union Leaders' Summit, evaluations were made of the joint natural gas purchase contracts of the European Union Commission and the proposals for filling natural gas storages until the winter months. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, said in her statement about the EU's energy dependency, "We will get rid of Russian fossil fuels".

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, answered questions after the EU Leaders' Summit meeting, which was held in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, with the participation of the heads of state or government of the 27 EU member states.

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, said, "Today we discussed energy-related issues. This is a very difficult issue because the increase in the prices of energy products such as electricity and gas is felt all over Europe."

Stating that the leaders are working all day to determine the measures to be taken on energy, Michel explained that they evaluated various proposals of the Commission on the subject, such as natural gas storage and establishing joint gas supply mechanisms.

Pointing out that the measures to be taken on energy will be examined further, Michel added, "We want to work with economic actors to determine which measures will be most effective."

'Other options are being considered'

Pointing out that the effect of natural gas on the total electricity price can be decomposed here, von der Leyen said, "Now it's time to look at the design of our energy market. We will present our proposal on this subject in May."

Von der Leyen added, "We will further increase our support for Ukraine, tighten our sanctions and get rid of Russian fossil fuels." The leaders focused on energy issues on the second day of the summit. The proposals of the EU Commission to conclude joint natural gas purchase contracts and to fill the natural gas storages until the winter months were evaluated by the leaders. The application of ceiling prices to energy products was also intensely discussed.