German utility company RWE has raised concerns about potential strains on European Union (EU) solidarity during the upcoming winter season if the Russian gas supply is interrupted. RWE warns of possible "chaos" if rules for energy sharing are not established, particularly in terms of treating companies and households equally across member states.
RWE suggests that countries capable of receiving gas through carrier ships may face accusations of hoarding fuel if the equitable distribution is not ensured. With a limited gas supply, there remains a risk of rationing EU gas supplies throughout the winter.
To address these concerns, the European Commission (EC) plans to develop a pan-European "solidarity plan" by the end of July. The aim is to establish a fair approach in the event of a gas shortage and to prevent potential political disputes. National-level measures are also being implemented, such as Italy's introduction of heating and cooling caps.
Currently, RWE is experiencing a significant shortfall, receiving only around 40% of the contracted gas volume from Russia.
