The Green Tank has addressed a letter to the Ministry of Environment and Energy ahead of the Energy Council meeting on October 20, expressing concern over the course of negotiations within the EU Council on the proposed Regulation for the gradual phase-out of Russian gas imports.
The European Commission’s proposal was a positive step toward ending dependence on Russian fossil fuels and curbing the financial resources that fund the war in Ukraine. However, the approach of the Danish Council Presidency significantly weakens the text, introducing ambiguities and exemptions that threaten the EU’s unity and credibility.
In its letter, The Green Tank calls on Greece to support the European Commission’s proposal and the ambitious position of the European Parliament, urging the following:
- Clear and binding deadlines: The ban should apply no later than January 1, 2027, without extensions or exemptions for specific Member States.
- Removal or tightening of the “security of supply” clause (Article 15): This clause could effectively nullify the entire Regulation by allowing a temporary return to Russian gas.
- Enhanced transparency and diversification of supply sources (Articles 7, 11, 12): A robust certification of origin system must be established to prevent the “whitewashing” of Russian gas through third countries. Each Member State should also be required to submit a national diversification plan with binding milestones and measures to strengthen renewable energy.
- Closing gaps and omissions: The ban should be extended to cover Russian oil imports and include a prohibition on EU companies trading Russian LNG outside the EU.
Greece is already on a path of reducing its dependence on Russian gas, with imports down by 20% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to 2024. A strong Regulation — without exceptions or transitional provisions — would be an important step forward for Europe’s energy sovereignty and geopolitical responsibility.
Read the full letter [in Greek] here.
