EU Commission Reviews Emergency Measures for Energy and Refugees in Preparation for Ukraine Invasion

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The European Union (EU) Commission is reportedly preparing emergency measures to address a sharp rise in energy prices in the event of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to major foreign media on the 6th (local time).

According to European diplomatic sources, the EU Commission is considering emergency measures for crisis scenarios that may arise following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including a surge in gas prices, refugees, and cyberterrorism.

Among these, the crisis situation that the EU takes most seriously is the surge in gas prices due to the suspension of gas supplies from Russia. Since Europe imports 40% of its total gas consumption from Russia, it would be difficult to avoid an energy crisis in Europe if Russian gas supplies are cut off. Citigroup warned that if Russia completely halts gas supplies to Europe, a chain of blackouts could occur across Europe.

As a short-term measure, the EU is seeking to diversify its liquefied natural gas (LNG) import sources. In this regard, it is pursuing plans to increase LNG imports from the United States, Azerbaijan, Qatar, Nigeria, and others.

Kadri Simson, the EU Commissioner for Energy Policy, said during a visit to Azerbaijan on the 4th that Azerbaijan responded by expressing willingness to support in the event of a gas supply crisis. Commissioner Simson is scheduled to visit the United States with Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on the 7th and 8th, where they will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

The EU is also discussing measures in case a large number of refugees emerge from Ukraine and flow into neighboring countries such as Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania.

The emergency plan being prepared by the EU is expected to be proposed at the EU summit next month. If the situation in Ukraine escalates rapidly, an emergency EU summit will be convened early.

Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor [Photo by AP Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, attention is also focused on what diplomatic achievements German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron will make during their visits to the United States and Russia this week, respectively. Chancellor Scholz will hold a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on the 7th. This will be the first U.S.-Germany summit since Scholz took office in December last year.

Germany has recently shown a passive stance in the Western response to Russia related to the Ukraine crisis, including refusing to transport weapons for NATO troop reinforcements in Eastern Europe. Foreign media reported that this has led to a growing perception in U.S. political circles that Germany is an obstacle to sanctions against Russia.

Last week, U.S. Republican Senator Rob Portman targeted Germany, saying, "It is very shocking that Ukraine is not receiving the weapons it needs because NATO members have not approved weapons transportation." Foreign media analyzed that Chancellor Scholz has much to do to regain trust.

French President Macron will also visit Moscow on the same day to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. It is known that President Macron has made diplomatic efforts by speaking with President Putin three times over the past 10 days. President Macron is expected to emphasize a diplomatic solution through dialogue with President Putin. While clearly stating that Ukraine's security is non-negotiable, he is also expected to convey an understanding of Russia's concerns. One day before meeting President Putin, on the 6th, President Macron also spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden. He is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the 8th.