Spanish premier says EU must prepare for total cut-off from Russian gas supply

MADRID

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Tuesday that Europe must prepare to be totally cut off from Russian gas supplies.

"No one knows what Russia will do; it’s an authoritarian state without public debate. That’s why we are preparing for the worst-case scenario," Sanchez told the Spanish Senate as he defended his plans to cope with the energy crisis.

He said Spain is already increasing energy imports from a diverse range of countries, boosting renewable production, and reducing consumption, although the country has relatively low dependence on Russian gas.

"That doesn’t mean the energy crisis isn’t affecting us, and it could get worse by slowing our economic growth or forcing us to adopt more energy-saving measures," Sanchez said.

"Even though our supply is secured, we would have to do what we can because if (Russian President Vladimir) Putin turns off the taps in the north, we’ll have to help our fellow Europeans. Spain isn’t just in the EU to be helped, but also to contribute," he said.