Europe’s hard choices on gas security
EU half measures over storage regulation, geopolitical risks to ending Russian gas, power outage questions and China’s LNG resale leverage make for a challenging path ahead.
The EU revised its gas storage regulation once again in May, aiming to ease summer gas prices and avoid exorbitant refilling costs. Rather than maintaining the original target of 90% minimum fill by 1 November, the new rule now requires only an 83% minimum level at any point between 1 October and 1 December. This change marks a step backward. Instead of providing citizens with a clear, resilient and stable framework, the regulation remains vulnerable to lobbying and interference from member states, undermining its effectiveness. Rather than wasting time and resources on these incremental and counterproductive adjustments, the EU should consider a fundamental question: is its storage regulat
Also in this section
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal
