During the meeting of the Council of EU Energy Ministers, Minister Anna Moskwa stressed that Poland demands a package of sanctions on the import of oil and gas from Russia and proposes the implementation of the “Russian ETS”.

If Poland can support such sanctions and become fully independent of Russian gas, other European countries can also take such steps. We want a specific date and a declaration of all countries regarding the embargo on Russian fuels to be indicated. The next package of EU sanctions on Russia should be completely tight and accepted by everyone

– she said.

We propose a project to sanction the import of Russian energy raw materials through the “Russian ETS”, i.e. a system analogous to fees for CO2 emissions. The fee would be compliant with the principle of fairness, i.e., if an entity imports more Russian raw materials, then it pays more. This mechanism would mobilise the countries to increase their ambitions and the speed of de-Russification.

– she explained.

The payment in rubles to Gazprom has also been discussed. Poland called for solidarity as regards refusing to make such payments.

We must not give in to Russian manipulation or Russian blackmail. Therefore, we welcome the strong position taken by the European Commission and the Presidency, which confirmed that paying Gazprom for gas in rubles is unacceptable. This is a violation of sanctions and European solidarity.

– stressed Minister Anna Moskwa.

The subject of the Extraordinary Council of EU Energy Ministers was also solidarity with Ukraine in the energy area. Poland appealed to the European Union countries to increase their support in terms of raw materials for Ukraine and the reconstruction of its infrastructure.

Poland undertook to informally coordinate the mechanism of support in terms of energy and raw materials for Ukraine. We invited all countries to a round table to be held on 9 May with the participation of the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine

– informed the Minister of Climate and Environment.