This Regulation establishes specific gas storage filling targets for EU Member States throughout 2025. It sets mandatory intermediate targets for February, May, July, and September, leading to a final target of 90% storage capacity by November 1, 2025, for countries with underground gas storage facilities.The Regulation consists of two main articles and an Annex. Article 1 establishes the filling trajectories, while Article 2 deals with the entry into force. The Annex contains a detailed table with specific percentage targets for each relevant Member State across different dates in 2025.Key provisions include:
- A minimum EU-average target of around 50% for February 2025, with Member States encouraged to reach 55% collectively
- A minimum EU-level target of around 30% by May 2025, with a recommended collective target of 45%
- Individual country targets varying based on specific circumstances and technical capabilities
- Flexibility allowing storage levels up to five percentage points below targets while still being considered compliant
- Special provisions for Member States that supplied significant volumes to third countries during 2016-2021
The Regulation takes into account the potential end of gas transit through Ukraine by January 2025 and emphasizes the importance of maintaining sufficient storage levels during high-demand winter months. It also considers technical feasibility, market functioning, and the need to avoid unnecessary burdens on market participants while ensuring security of supply.
