Russian gas: Von der Leyen warns against payments in rubles

In response to the cessation of gas supplies by Russia to Poland and Bulgaria, representatives of the 27 EU member states met in the Gas Coordination Group. Poland and Bulgaria will receive natural gas from their neighbors in the future, according to EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, who attended. "This shows how great the solidarity is among us and how effective investments made in interconnectors are." The EU Commission will intensify its work with regional groups of member states, she said. The groups could deliver solidarity immediately if that was needed, she said.

Von der Leyen warned energy companies against paying for Russian gas supplies in rubles, saying, "Paying in rubles, unless it is provided for in the contract, is a violation of EU sanctions. If they do that, it is a risk for them." Ten energy companies are reportedly considering doing so and four are said to have already done so.

The EU Commission is in close contact with the French presidency, which will soon convene the 27 EU energy ministers for a special meeting, Von der Leyen said. The sixth sanctions package with an embargo on Russian oil imports will come, she assured. "We will be independent of fossil imports from Russia much faster, and forever."