A source in the Netherlands allowed the purchase of Russian gas by The Hague

BRUSSELS, 29 Aug – PRIME. The authorities of the Netherlands may, as an exception, temporarily allow the city administration of The Hague to purchase gas from Gazprom, which are subject to EU sanctions from October 10, a source in the European Commission told RIA Novosti.

The European Union did not impose restrictions on gas supplies from Russia, but the fifth package of sanctions provides for a ban on the participation of Russians and Russian companies in public procurement in the EU from October 10. Earlier, the media reported that the Dutch city of The Hague will ask for a temporary exemption until January 1, 2023 from EU sanctions against Russia. As noted, The Hague is trying to find a replacement for the Russian gas supplier, Gazprom, but attempts in June and July to attract suppliers were unsuccessful.

“The fifth package of sanctions prohibits the participation of Russians and Russian companies in purchases in the EU from October 10, 2022. National competent authorities can make exceptions if the conclusion or continuation of the execution of a state contract is necessary for the import or transportation of natural gas from Russia to the EU,” the agency’s interlocutor said. .

According to him, “in the case of supply contracts in the Netherlands, which may fall under this ban, the Dutch competent authorities are responsible for granting a possible exemption.”

At the same time, the EC stressed that “the EU is working to abandon dependence on all Russian fossil fuels, including natural gas.”