Commission refers Romania to Court for failing to adopt an emergency plan in case of gas supply disruption

The European Commission is referring Romania to the EU Court of Justice for failing to adopt an emergency plan under the EU Security of Gas Supply Regulation (EU) No 994/2010. The regulation aims to ensure that Member States are well prepared to deal with possible supply disruptions. To this end, Member States, amongst others, have to prepare emergency plans and notify them to the European Commission. An emergency plan sets out measures and procedures that come into effect in case of gas supply disruption and which are well coordinated with neighbouring Member States. Member States had to adopt these plans already by 3 December 2012. In November 2013 the Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Romania as it had not adopted its national emergency plan. In November 2014 the Commission proceeded to a reasoned opinion since Romania did still not comply with the Security of Gas Supply Regulation. There is still no emergency plan and this may jeopardise Romania's ability to deal with a possible crisis situation.

Background

The EU Security of Gas Supply Regulation:

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  creates a common indicator to measure serious threats to gas security known as N-1. This indicator refers to a situation in which a very important national gas installation such as a production facility or pipeline falls out of operation;
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  defines a supply standard that EU countries must prepare to meet even in the case of a disruption such as N-1. This standard means that countries must be able to supply at least 30 days' worth of gas to private households and other vulnerable consumers like hospitals;
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  requires EU countries to designate an authority specifically responsible for the gas supply;
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  requires the authority to create a preventive action plan which assesses supply risks and proposes preventative measures such as investment in new pipelines;
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  requires the authority to prepare emergency plans for dealing with a crisis. These plans should include specific procedures that come into effect during a disruption and describe ways to coordinate with other national authorities;
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  sets up a Gas Coordination Group to coordinate actions and exchange information between national authorities and industry.

On 16 October 2014 the Commission published its Stress Tests Communication analysing the effects of a possible partial or complete disruption of gas supplies from Russia. One of the key conclusions was that increased cooperation and coordination can substantially mitigate the impacts of a disruption. As part of the stress tests, a report on the implementation of the Security of Supply Regulation was adopted. It demonstrated that the Regulation has already produced important beneficial effects on Europe's security of supply situation, both in terms of preparation and mitigation. At the same time, the report also highlighted areas where better implementation can further bolster Europe's supply security. At present the Commission is working on a revision of the Regulation. The revision does not mean that implementation of the Regulation can be suspended and so the Commission continues to pursue better compliance with the existing provisions.

More information

EU Energy Security Strategy

Security of Gas Supply Regulation

June infringement package decisions(MEMO/15/5162)

On the general infringement procedure, see (MEMO/12/12)

For more information on infringement procedures: http://ec.europa.eu/eu_law/infringements/infringements_en.htm

IP/15/5195

Press contacts

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  Nicole BOCKSTALLER (+32 2 295 25 89)

General public inquiries:

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