Politico: von der Leyen proposes exploring EU strategic gas reserves

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed that EU leaders consider joint strategic gas reserves, Politico reported, citing diplomatic sources.

According to the outlet's October 15 report, the idea was raised at the Brussels summit. A senior EU official described it as long-term protection against gas supply disruptions.

Politico also reviewed documents concerning a planned November overhaul of the bloc's gas security system. They envisage encouraging companies to improve stock management and crisis preparedness, but do not explicitly establish mandatory strategic reserves.

Commercial companies currently do most of the refilling of Europe's gas storage facilities. The outlet said high summer prices had reduced incentives to inject gas and complicated winter preparations.

The Commission's next scheduled step is its planned November review of the gas security framework.