(VOVWORLD) - The European Commission (EC) on Thursday launched a third round of gas purchases to ensure member countries' needs before winter and avoid dependence on Russia.
The EC is calling on European companies to submit requests for total gas volumes by next Wednesday. After that, the agency will search for companies offering gas on the international market. If a deal is signed, deliveries are expected to take place between December 2023 and March 2025.
Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic said the situation on the gas market remains tense, so the EU must stay vigilant and continue joint purchases of gas in order to guarantee a stable and affordable supply.
The EU conducted two previous rounds of joint gas purchases, in May and July of this year.