The EU energy ministers will meet at an extraordinary Council meeting in Brussels on 2 May 2022. France has invited the Member States to discuss the impacts of Russia’s attack on the EU’s energy sector and to establish a situational picture among energy ministers concerning the recent developments in the security of gas supply. Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä will represent Finland.

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The discussion will focus on Russia’s requirement that gas is to paid in roubles. Russia discontinued gas deliveries to Poland and Bulgaria on 27 April 2022, because the companies in these countries refused to pay for the gas in roubles.

Finland considers it important that the existing agreements for the purchase of gas concluded by the companies, which also define the currency, are complied with in all respects. Non-compliance with the agreement constitutes a breach of contract. To Finland, it is also important that the EU Member States work together in this issue.

The discussions will focus on the legislative proposal concerning the security of gas supply, joint procurement and the refilling of gas storages. Finland supports the efforts to procure gas jointly and wants to find a gas storage solution, which functions well and is suitable for all. Finland welcomes the voluntary nature of the measures for the Member States. Member States should be able to determine their share on the basis of their own needs.

As a rule, the Government welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a regulation on gas storage. Finland also has a strategic interest in filling the gas reserves in the EU area next winter.

Brussels says it is preparing for difficult months ahead in the energy sector, following an extraordinary meeting of the bloc's energy ministers on Monday to discuss its strategy after Russia decided to cut off gas to Poland and Bulgaria last week.

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Now, the EU is working to ensure that continent's gas storage will be full by autumn. It's currently at 32% and according to the bloc's energy commissioner, Kadri Simson, any member state could be the next victim of Moscow's energy cuts.

Brussels is working in parallel on a sixth package of sanctions against Russia, that will focus on a phased-out embargo of oil. Germany, previously one of the main opponents, is now agreeing to it.

"After two months of work, I can say that Germany is not against an oil ban on Russia," Robert Habeck, the German climate and economics minister said on Monday. "Of course, it is a heavy load to bear, but we are ready to do that...We have to prepare the hubs, we have to prepare the pipelines. So, time is helpful, but other countries have bigger problems."

The proposal may be announced by the European Commission as soon as Tuesday.

But Simone Tagliapietra, a senior fellow at Brussels-based think-tank Bruegel, the plan must be handled with care.

"If we are now moving to sanction Russian oil with a gradual embargo, Russia might respond immediately by saying, okay, then we cut the gas," Tagliapietra said. "And giving Russia this strategic game, may not be the best option for the EU. It might be better for the EU to put a tariff immediately on both oil and gas coming from Russia into the European Union."

Some countries are calling for a punitive import tax on Russia energy instead of an embargo.

The EU is proposing a gradual ban on Russian oil by the end of the year — which Hungary has suggested it will veto if it moves too quickly — but several ministers made clear that they expect quick action.

European Union energy ministers tried to project a united front Monday in rejecting Russia’s demands to buy gas in rubles as the bloc tries to prevent Vladimir Putin from sowing divisions in the bloc.

Despite signs that at least one member state, Hungary, may accede to Moscow’s ruble demands, ministers said the EU will find a way to stick together.

“Speed is of importance here," Irish climate minister Eamon Ryan told reporters. “This war now looks like it could be protracted and we need to use every lever to try and shorten it. Better to go strong early and try to bring to an end."

The EU is proposing a gradual ban on Russian oil by the end of the year — which Hungary has suggested it will veto if it moves too quickly — but several ministers made clear that they expect quick action.

Poland, which has pushed for a ban on Russian oil, will also propose an embargo on gas, preferably at the same time.

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