The EU is proposing to establish a permanent system of joint gas purchases, which has become an anti-crisis measure after the refusal to buy Russian imports. This initiative was announced by the European Commission, Bloomberg reports, citing the relevant document.

According to the document, the EU executive body proposes to make the current anti-crisis measures on joint gas purchases a long-term solution, excluding Russian gas. In addition, other energy products or services, such as carbon capture and storage, may be purchased as part of these measures.

Participation in the joint procurement platform will be voluntary, except in situations of energy crisis, when the EU can create a common demand. This initiative also allows for the purchase of hydrogen and could serve as an example for the purchase of other critical raw materials needed for clean technologies.

The proposal to create a joint procurement system will be included in the hydrogen and decarbonization package currently being discussed by EU member states and the European Parliament.

Earlier, the European Union announced that it had managed to overcome its dependence on Russian energy thanks to a plan to reduce gas consumption. In order to cope with the gas crisis caused by the war with Russia, the EU plan to reduce gas consumption across the EU by 15% was introduced last August.

This year, the European Commission invited EU member states to voluntarily extend the 15% reduction in gas consumption further. The permanent system of joint gas purchases is one of the measures aimed at ensuring Europe's energy security and expanding alternative sources of gas supply.