From October 2022, Germany increased its special tax on natural gas transport to three times the original value in 2024. Although the Commissioner of the European Commission admitted that the German measure may make gas procurement more expensive for the V4 countries and Austria, the European Commission does not intervene in the matter.
The double standard of Brussels in the matter of the German natural gas tax has been exposed, as the European Commission has recognized that such and similar special taxes undermine the European energy market, but it will not initiate infringement proceedings even a year and a half after its entry into force, stated András Gyürk, Fidesz member of the European Parliament (EP- ) representative.
In his statement sent to MTI, András Gyürk informed that, on behalf of the European Commission, Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson recently answered the question submitted regarding the special tax on German natural gas.
The EP representative emphasized:
although the EU commissioner admitted that the measure could make gas procurement more expensive for the V4 countries and Austria, the European Commission did not intervene in the matter. With this, the double standards of Brussels became evident again, because since the introduction of utility reduction, they have been continuously attacking Hungary, until they take action against the measures of other countries that threaten the energy security of the region
he drew attention.
András Gyürk reminded: Germany increased the special tax imposed on natural gas transport from October 2022 to three times the original value in 2024.
"This is an unfriendly step towards Central Europe, which makes it difficult for the countries of the region to diversify their natural gas supply and also undermines their competitiveness. That's why we addressed questions to the European Commission"
- recalled the Fidesz politician.
He said that the European Commission acknowledged in its response that such and similar special taxes undermine the European energy market. According to the Brussels body, the German measure is expected to make the natural gas supply of Central European countries, including Hungary, more expensive, however - as pointed out - the EU committee does not initiate infringement proceedings even a year and a half after the entry into force of the special tax.
"This case is another example of Brussels' double standards. For ten years, the European Commission has been attacking utility cuts that take people's interests into account, launching procedures and freezing EU funds weeks after the sovereignty and child protection laws came into force. On the other hand, it does nothing against the measures of other countries that have made the energy supply of our region more expensive for 18 months. That was enough, change is needed in Brussels," added András Gyürk.
MTI
Photo: Pixabay
