The European Parliament has passed a bill on mandatory certification of gas storage operators
At its meeting on June 23, the European Parliament passed a bill requiring all gas storage operators in Europe to undergo mandatory certification to avoid the risk of outside interference. Operators who fail to secure this certification will have to give up ownership or control of EU gas storage facilities. This is stated in a statement of the European Parliament.
The legislation was adopted on Thursday with 490 votes to 47, and 55 abstentions. Official approval by the EU Council is now required for the law to enter into force.
There is a good chance that Russia's Gazprom will not be able to pass certification and will lose gas storage facilities in Europe.
The European Parliament also approved the EU's plans to fill 80% of storage by November 2022, and in the coming years the target will be 90% of full storages. The text emphasizes the need for EU countries to diversify gas supplies and strengthen energy efficiency measures.