The Gas Coordination Group has met again today to take stock of the current gas market situation in Europe. It also welcomed the presentation by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG) on the main findings of its 2026-2027 Winter Supply Outlook, published today.
While gas storage level are below historical levels, the report confirms that the EU gas system is sufficiently flexible to meet demand this winter. The EU infrastructure can manage higher liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and compensate for lower storage levels. ENTSOG also recalled the importance of keeping adequate storage levels through the season to cope with late winter cold spells and ease storage refilling next summer.
The situation differs significantly from that of winter 2021-2022. The EU is now better prepared thanks to increased gas supply diversification, higher LNG import capacity, and reduced gas demand.
The volumes of LNG imports into the EU will mainly depend on winter temperatures and their impact on demand for gas. The decision whether to import LNG or withdraw gas from storage ultimately lies with the market.
The Commission also presented the implementation of the REPowerEU Gas Regulation with focus on the preparation for the end of Russian long-term contracts for LNG imports from the start of next year.
The Commission will continue to monitor storage levels, gas supply and prices very closely throughout the winter in cooperation with EU countries and market participants.
Background
Publication of annual Winter and Summer Supply Outlooks by ENTSOG is a requirement of the EU Regulation on the internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen (Regulation 2024/1789 Article 26(3)).
