Estonian Premier Kallas supports the European Commission's proposal to slash gas consumption by 15%

This is reported by ERR.

"Estonia's gas consumption has actually already decreased. In the first half of 2022, we consumed 18% less than in the same period in 2021. Although historically Estonia's gas consumption has been around 5 terawatt hours per year, we now forecast until winter 4 terawatt-hours", Kallas said during the first press conference of the new government.

The Estonian government also approved the position regarding the plan presented the day before by the European Commission to reduce gas consumption and the corresponding resolution aimed at increasing the EU's readiness to respond to a possible termination of gas supplies from the Russian Federation.

Ms. Kallas explained that initially the European Union will try to reduce gas consumption by 15% on a voluntary basis (from August 1 to the end of March 2023).

If this fails, targets for reducing gas consumption will become mandatory in connection with an emergency situation.

"If the situation in Europe worsens and worsens in at least three member states that will declare a state of emergency, or these three member states make a corresponding request, then the European Union will be able to declare a state of emergency at the European level", she explained.

Kallas also assured that Estonia supports the goals of reducing gas consumption.

"It is important to get rid of Russian fossil fuels as soon as possible, as well as to stop financing Putin's military machine. Member states will be able to choose for themselves how exactly to do this", Kallas added.

The Prime Minister confirmed that reducing gas consumption by 15% will not create any problems for Estonia.