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Central European countries amp up pressure on EU over German gas tariff

Four central European nations have actually stepped up pressure on Brussels to act versus Germany over a gas tariff they state weakens their energy security, a file seen showed.

The levy is a legacy of the energy crisis that peaked in 2022 after Moscow slashed gas circulations to Europe. It puts an additional fee on fuel gotten of Germany's gas storage, to attempt to recover the billions of euros it invested in purchasing non-Russian gas at sky-high costs to prevent fuel lacks.

Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia have actually said the measure injures their efforts to stop Russian gas, by making it more pricey to purchase non-Russian fuel provided through Germany.

In the joint document, the four countries urged the Commission to put words into concrete actions to resolve the issue.

The Commission has prepared legal action against Germany over the tariff, viewed as flouting the EU's single market rules, according to people acquainted with the matter, but, so far, has not launched a claim.

Together with the set up end of transit of Russian gas by means of Ukraine by the end of this year, the levy will substantially decrease the security of supply of the whole CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) region, the 4 nations said.

Austria and Hungary remain greatly depending on Russian gas. Austria's energy minister said in February the country is struggling to diversify its materials and her ministry is looking into ending energy business OMV's long-term gas agreement with Russia.

EU countries' energy ministers and the Commission are anticipated to talk about the German levy at a conference in Brussels on Thursday, EU authorities stated.

A representative for Germany's economy ministry said the government was in contact with other EU countries and the European Commission to find a service.

The ministry has previously said the levy is nondiscriminatory and other EU nations had benefited during the energy crisis from Germany rapidly filling its gas storage, the greatest in the bloc.

EU single market rules prohibited tariffs on trade between member countries.

(source: Reuters)