A worker operates a gas pipeline system in Boyarka, Kiev, Ukraine. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The announcement came from European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson on Wednesday after a meeting with EU ministers in charge of energy in Slovenia. Several ministers said the crisis is “critical”.

Austria’s Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler pointed to the high dependency on Russian gas as the underlying problem for supplies in Europe. Energy prices have increased dramatically all over the world and this can be felt by all EU consumers. A profound EU transformation towards a low-carbon future is seen in energy, transportation, and industry as it strives to phase out natural gases and fossil fuels.