The European Union Commission, the executive arm of the EU, has proposed a plan for its 27 members to begin to eliminate their imports of Russian energy. The plan relies on measures to reduce energy demand overall and accelerate the development and adoption of non-fossil fuel energy sources. It includes both voluntary and mandatory measures. The measures also call for streamlining the regulatory approval processes in member countries to facilitate the development of large-scale renewable projects. The EU plans to end imports of Russian coal by August of this year. However, replacing natural gas and crude oil imports will not be easy in the short term.
European commentators have said that the plan’s success will depend upon coordination and solidarity among the EU members.