European countries have called on Germany to make gas transit through its territory free of charge

Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia called on Germany to cancel the gas transit fee on its territory from January 1, 2025. This is reported by Reuters with reference to the relevant document.

The countries called the duty in Germany an "artificial increase" in prices, which prevents the abandonment of Russian gas.

"It is extremely important to remove all barriers that stand in the way of our diversification efforts," the document says.

Earlier, the adoption of the relevant bill was prevented by the collapse of the coalition government of Germany. Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia noted these delays. The agency added that the issue of canceling the fee will be submitted to the discussion of the EU energy ministers on December 16.

European countries, it follows from the document, insist on the speedy abolition of duties in Germany due to the expiration of the contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine at the end of 2024.

Russia has stated that it does not refuse to supply gas to Europe. The Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly ruled out extending the agreement with Gazprom. The European Union said that they were also not interested in this, RBC reminds.

At the same time, Bloomberg wrote that this winter in Europe will be the coldest since the start of full-scale hostilities on the Ukraine.