EU’s von der Leyen warns of energy crisis escalation

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday warned of an escalation in the energy crisis .

“Since Russia has already completely or partially cut off gas supplies to 12 member countries (of the EU), we must all prepare for the worst situation,” von der Leyen told El Mundo, a Spanish newspaper.

Russia had recently suspended gas deliveries to several EU countries, including Poland, Bulgaria, and on Saturday, Latvia, for their refusal to pay for delivery in roubles.

Russia has also throttled deliveries to Germany, the economic powerhouse of the EU, over maintenance works that are viewed as retaliation for Western sanctions.

Mounting energy concerns drove the bloc to agree an emergency winter gas plan last week. These measures are to “help to meet our winter supply needs,” von der Leyen said.

Source: Agencies