The pipeline linking Poland and Lithuania’s gas networks was inaugurated on May 5, 2022 in Jauniunai, Lithuania (Photo: AFP/ VNA)

The EC had proposed in late March that member states fill their storage sites to 80% of capacity by November 1, 2022, and to 90% of capacity by November 1 in subsequent years, with intermediary targets set throughout the year.

The proposal was backed by the Council and Parliament, with formal approval from both now required for the new regulation to come into effect.

The EU Council said in a statement on Thursday that the proposed regulation aims to ensure that storage capacities in the EU were filled before the winter season and could be shared between member states "in a spirit of solidarity."