In light of the European success in reducing the risks associated with its gas import structure, the overall framework to meet the Union’s need for gas should strike a balance between energy security and the return to market-based principles. It should therefore be flexible enough during the filling season to allow for a swift reaction to constantly changing market conditions and, in particular, to take advantage of the best purchasing conditions in order to reduce gas prices in Europe. In particular, it should be possible for Member States to meet the filling target at any point in time between 1 October and 1 December, taking into account the start of the Member States’ gas storage withdrawal period, without being required to maintain the storage level corresponding to the filling target until 1 December.
Text as published in the Official Journal, reproduced verbatim (including any typographical quirks of the source). For the authentic version, see EUR-Lex.
