The European Commission stated that a return to importing Russian gas is impossible under current EU legislation. This was Brussels' response to the statement by the leader of the German far-right party "Alternative for Germany" (AfD), Alice Weidel, about the need to resume Russian gas supplies. This is reported by Euractiv, reports UNN.
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AfD leader Alice Weidel told Reuters that "cheap energy from Russia was the secret to the success of the 'Made in Germany' brand," and added that Germany needs to return to importing it.
However, the European Commission emphasized that current EU legislation does not allow such a step.
"This is the current law, so turning back is impossible," a European Commission spokesperson told journalists in Brussels.
The European Commission also recalled that in March, the rules on the phased abandonment of Russian gas came into force, and this month, a ban on the import of pipeline gas under short-term contracts took effect.
"We have also stated very clearly at the political level that we will not return to Russian energy," added the European Commission representative.
At the same time, Brussels noted that the European Commission has not yet presented a proposal for a complete ban on the import of Russian oil, although it has already postponed the deadlines set for this twice — in 2025 and at the beginning of 2026.
"We hope to be able to present it in due time," said the European Commission spokesperson.