The situation in Europe is “stable” with the exception of Moldova following the disruption on 1 January of the transit of Russian natural gas through Ukraine, the Polish presidency of the European Union said.

“The situation is stable in all (EU) member states that resort to winter reserves and imports from third countries ensuring stable supply to consumers,” a spokesman for the Polish presidency said.

“No increase in gas prices has been observed,” he added.

Increase in gas prices in Europe

However, European gas prices reached the symbolic threshold of 50 euros per megawatt hour on Tuesday for the first time in more than a year and remained at that level today.

Regarding the more worrying situation in Moldova, the Polish presidency called on European Union countries to strengthen their support and coordination with the authorities in Chisinau to avoid shortages.

Shipments of Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine were permanently halted on Wednesday after a contract signed between the two sides at the end of 2019 expired and remained in force after Russia invaded Ukraine.

The disruption affects one-third of Russian gas exports to Europe and worries countries in Eastern Europe, notably Moldova, which is particularly vulnerable, and Slovakia, which is threatened with severe consequences.

“No concern on gas deliveries,” says Commission

The European Commission and EU member states in central and eastern Europe discussed the situation at a meeting yesterday and will meet again on January 7 to assess the situation.

“There is no concern” regarding gas deliveries, the Commission said after the meeting.

Gas supply was boosted by imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The level of natural gas reserves in Europe reaches 72%, slightly higher than the average for this time of year, the Commission assured.

According to official figures, Russian gas exports to Europe via Ukrainian territory amounted to just over 14 billion cubic meters per year.