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Gas security of supply: Council and Parliament strike a deal to ensure enough reserves at affordable prices

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU
Press release
24 June 2025 19:07

The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional deal on the proposal amending the gas storage regulation, which extends by two years member states' existing obligations to have enough gas in storage before the winter season. The amendment aims to reduce the EU's exposure to volatile prices linked to geopolitical instability after the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

The provisional agreement establishes a filing target of 90% and introduces additional flexibilities for member states to adapt to constantly evolving market conditions and to address possible market manipulations.

Today's agreement represents a strategic victory for our energy sovereignty and European resilience to price manipulations on the gas market. By ensuring sufficient gas storage ahead of winter, we are not only protecting our citizens and businesses from price shocks and supply disruptions, but also sending a clear message that we will not be held hostage by external energy pressures.

- Marzena Czarnecka, Polish Minister of Industry

Security of gas supply in changing conditions

The agreement reached today would help member states to react swiftly to constantly changing conditions and to take advantage of the best purchasing conditions, while ensuring security of gas supply and the correct functioning of the internal market. In particular:

The agreement keeps the existing binding target of 90% of gas storage but provides flexibility to reached it anytime between 1 October and 1 December instead of the current 1 November deadline.

Council and Parliament agreed that intermediary storage targets are indicative, to give predictability of storage levels while leaving sufficient flexibility for market participants to purchase gas throughout the year when it is more convenient.

Next steps

The provisional agreement reached with the European Parliament now needs to be endorsed and formally adopted by both institutions.

Background

Thanks to the gas storage targets established in 2022, Europe's energy security situation has improved since the energy crisis provoked by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. These gas storage obligations are set to expire at the end of 2025. However, the continuing tight situation in the global gas market calls for an extension of these provisions beyond 2025.

Gas storage facilities provide for 30% of the Union's gas consumption during the winter months. Moreover, well-filled underground gas storage facilities can help provide additional gas in the event of high demand or supply disruptions.