On Mar. 5, EC proposed regulation extending the EU Gas Storage Reg.
EC issued Proposal COM(2025) 99 final for a Regulation amending Reg 2017/1938 as regards the role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season.
The gas-storage provisions in Regulation 2017/1938 were introduced via Regulation 2022/1032 for a period of three years and those provisions expire at the end of 2025.
The proposal extends the existing provision by two years on a temporary basis until a new energy-security framework is potentially put in place, most likely during 2027.
EC will review the EU’s energy-security framework and assess if a potential legislative proposal should incorporate permanent storage-filling measures for Member States.
However, this proposal is not planned for next year, a temporary extension of the existing gas-storage provisions is necessary to continue providing predictability.
And also transparency regarding the use of gas-storage facilities across the EU.
EC adopted Report COM(2025) 98 final from the EC to the EP, EU CNCL on solidarity and certain aspects concerning gas storage based on EU Regulation 2017/1938.
It highlighted that the Regulation ensured security of supply, lowering risks of supply disruption, allowing the EU to advance efforts to reduce energy dependence on Russia.
The proposed Reg is accompanied by ECrecommendation C(2025) 1481 final on the implementation of the gas storage filling targets in 2025, addressed to Member States.
They should consider current market conditions and introduce flexibility when deciding on measures to refill storage facilities this summer, for optimal purchase conditions.
This would help to avoid distortion of the internal energy market or negative effects of energy security of other EU countries or the EU under current market conditions.
Next Steps
The proposal will now be discussed by the EP and EU CNCL; EC plans to review the EU's energy security framework and assess permanent storage-related measures.
EC will continue monitoring the security of EU's gas supply with EU countries in the Gas Coordination Group, coordinate measures taken to ensure optimal storage refilling.
