DISINFO: Nord Stream saboteurs have plunged the EU into energy poverty
SUMMARY
The perpetrators of the attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines have destroyed the European Union's hope for secure and sustainable energy supplies. Those who planned and carried out this terrorist act have essentially plunged Europe into energy poverty.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin narrative on the energy crisis in Europe amid the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, subsequent Western sanctions on Russia and Russian retaliatory measures reducing gas supplies.
The article contains a recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming that Europe has no hope to solve the energy crisis will inevitably deepen without restoring the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. This narrative plays into the Kremlin's claims that the West is collapsing. The Kremlin seeks to pressure and blackmail the European governments and create public panic over energy insecurity / energy costs.
Meanwhile EU member states have adopted a regulation to fill gas storages and share them in a spirit of solidarity, diversified supply sources and committed to reducing gas demand by 15% this winter. Despite recent events, and in particular the attacks on the Nord Stream Pipelines, Europe is prepared to face this winter. EU underground gas reserves have been filled by almost 90% of their capacity, well ahead of the 1 November deadline set in the gas storage regulation. This means that with the predicted gas consumption reduction and filled gas reserves, Europe won’t be out of gas for the winter even without Russian gas. See also sections II. Critical Infrastructure and III. Energy and Economy of the European Council conclusions of the 20 and 21 October 2022 on how the European Union will remain united to protect its citizens and businesses.
See more disinformation cases on energy issues amid invasion of Ukraine.