EU plans to cut dependency on Russian gas this year

'It's hard, bloody hard — but it's possible' says Frans Timmerman of the proposed radical overhaul of the EU's energy priorities

'The answer to this concern for our security lies in renewable energy and diversification of supply,' said EU climate policy chief Frans Timmermans. Picture: Valeria Mongelli/AP

The European Commission has published plans to cut EU dependency on Russian gas by two thirds this year and end its reliance on Russian supplies of the fuel “well before 2030”.

The EU executive said it would switch to alternative supplies and expand clean energy faster under the plans, which national governments will be largely responsible for implementing.