BRUSSELS – ANSWER. The first clarifications on the conditions for the adoption of common gas markets and a partial extension of the waiting period for determining the details of a correction mechanism with a dynamic price corridor in the TTF are contained in the first version of the compromise proposal for a Czech presidency ruling on the proposal of the Commission to manage high prices by October 18 and take further measures of European cooperation and solidarity that were leaked yesterday. An emphasis on the temporary nature of the measures was added to the regulation proposal, while further changes are expected.

In more detail, the text of the chairmanship notes that joint markets will be voluntary for stakeholders, while, on the other hand, participation in the process of centralized accounting for natural gas demand in each member state will be mandatory. . At the same time, it is specified that the natural gas that will be purchased as part of this process can be used for purposes other than filling storage facilities. Russian companies under Member State control will also be able to participate in the common natural gas market process, while emphasizing that under no circumstances will Russian natural gas be subject to common markets.

Regarding the dynamic cap in the TTF, the Czech Presidency intends to amend the points of the corrective mechanism after the technical workshop on 7 November, as this issue is considered “politically sensitive”.

With regard to the possible activation of emergency measures to reduce unnecessary consumption, the regulation added that they can be taken only after an assessment by the competent national authorities of the conditions for determining the unnecessary amount of natural gas.

Finally, the adapted text defines the conditions for the implementation of the solidarity mechanism in the absence of bilateral agreements for the sale of natural gas between Member States in the event of an emergency. With regard to compensation, it should take into account: a) the price of natural gas in the Solidarity Member State, b) storage and transportation costs, including possible fees arising from the diversion of LNG cargoes at the requested delivery connection point, c) other costs such as as compensation for any damages resulting from litigation, arbitration or other similar proceedings. Solidarity requests must be submitted at least 72 hours before the indicated delivery time. In addition, the president has decided to keep the price of natural gas at the 30-day average and looks forward to further discussions on this issue.