Spain opposes the Brussels plan for gas, since it forces an effort that does not correspond to it

"Unlike other countries, we Spaniards have not lived beyond our means from an energy point of view"

MADRID, 20 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Third Vice President of the Government and Minister for the Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, has announced that Spain "does not support" the proposal put forward by Brussels to impose reductions in gas consumption on EU countries in alert situations in the face of a possible cut in supply from Russia.

At a press conference, Ribera stressed that Spain is "a pro-European and supportive country", but assured that the country cannot be asked for "a disproportionate sacrifice", since "unlike other countries, we Spaniards have not lived above our possibilities from the energy point of view".

For this reason, the minister urged the European "partners" to "debate in an open, transparent and respectful way" on the best way to support each other in this regard.

In this sense, he highlighted the "fundamental" role that Spain can play as a "gateway" for more than 30% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe and with infrastructures prepared to support "its neighbors".

However, Ribera made it clear that "no matter what happens, Spanish families are not going to suffer gas and electricity cuts in their homes" and he is going to "defend the position" of the Spanish industry.

"Spain has done its homework in this area, paying more than many European partners," he said, adding that the Government "resists the imposition of obligations above what corresponds to us in terms of effort and other community partners are asked ".

In this way, he assured that Spain will go to the European Energy Council on July 26 "to defend the interests of all Spaniards with a supportive, effective, efficient and coordinated proposal".