EU holds Emergency Talks Amid Russia Halts Gas Supply to Poland and Bulgaria

European Union officials are in emergency gas negotiations following Russia's decision to suddenly stop gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria, the bloc's top official said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the announcement of Gazprom is another attempt by Russia to use gas as a blackmail tool.

She described the actions of Russia as an unjustified and unacceptable move underlining the unreliability of Russia as a gas supplier. She said a meeting of the gas coordination group was underway, adding that the region’s 27 countries are prepared to weather Russia’s cutoffs. 

Member States have developed emergency response plans for such scenarios, and we have worked with them in coordination and solidarity, she said. We are planning a coordinated EU response. We will continue to work with international partners to secure alternative flows.