The Emile-Huchet thermal power plant in eastern France, July 7, 2022. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

EU countries last week struck a deal to reduce their gas demand, to attempt to fill gas storage and prepare for a possible full Russian cut-off. The agreement asks all EU countries to voluntarily cut gas use by 15% this winter.

All countries except for Hungary and Poland approved the deal, according to a document published by the Czech Republic, which currently chairs EU country negotiations. Hungary, which is in talks to buy more gas from Russia, was the only country to oppose the deal last week. Poland also opposed the final law, despite supporting the deal last week.