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The European Union is preparing to resume joint gas purchases across the bloc. This move is Brussels’ response to instability in the Middle East and the risk of an energy crisis.
According to Politico, the European Commission plans to relaunch the AggregateEU platform, which operated in 2023. It allowed companies to pool demand, strengthening their bargaining position with foreign suppliers.
The EU now intends to upgrade the program and coordinate actions with oil and gas suppliers. Joint purchases of hydrogen and raw materials are also planned, along with tighter oversight of the aviation fuel market.
The new approach is expected to provide “negotiating power vis-à-vis Asia,” a source familiar with the Commission’s position told the outlet.
Concerns about the EU plan
Not everyone supports the idea of joint procurement. Businesses often question the effectiveness of such measures. Critics point to a lack of transparent data and warn that EU intervention could disrupt supply chains.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has defended the initiative. In early April, she noted that since 2023 the platform has aggregated demand for 90 billion cubic meters of gas. However, she acknowledged that the system needs improvement.
“We are not starting this coordination in the energy sector from scratch, but we can do more and do better,” von der Leyen said.
Market experts remain skeptical, with many arguing that bilateral contracts between major players work faster. Brussels, however, insists on unity to prevent wealthier countries from outbidding poorer neighbors.
Fuel market situation
Major Ukrainian fuel retail chains recently lowered prices for diesel and autogas by an average of 2 hryvnias per liter.
Amid oil and gas sanctions against Russia, China is expected to benefit, as Russia will sell gas to China at very low prices at least until 2029.
Meanwhile, the United States has stated it is ready to quickly replace all Russian gas and oil supplied to Europe with its own energy resources if necessary.
