European gas prices spiked by 25% on Thursday, after a wave of attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East included strikes at a key liquefied natural gas facility in Qatar.

The 27 member states of the European Union have formally adopted a regulation to phase out imports of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the EU.

The European Union proposed on Friday to advance a ban on Russian gas imports as part of a new sanctions package aimed at depleting Moscow's war chest, following pressure from President Trump.

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, during his meeting with participants of the Shusha Global Media Forum, shared his views on the natural gas crisis that has arisen between Russia and the European Union,News.Az reports, citing AZERTAC.

By Tural Heybatov

Germany and the European Commission have reached an agreement to ban the operation of the Nord Stream pipeline, which was originally intended to deliver Russian gas to Europe. In recent weeks, discussions had emerged about the potential reactivation of the pipeline, with reported interest not only from the Russian side but also from American stakeholders.

Gas reserves in Europe’s underground storage (UGS) facilities have fallen to around 36% for the first time in over three years, according to Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE).

Tural Heybatov

On Tuesday, President Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to Azerbaijani TV channels. These early-year interviews have become a tradition, containing everything citizens of the country and external actors need to know about Baku’s position, policies, and views on regional and global processes. In short, anyone wishing to conduct politics in the South Caucasus can find everything they need in these interviews.

As Europe enters the heart of winter, the state of its energy security becomes a critical question. With gas storage facilities filled to unprecedented levels, reaching 90-96%, the European Union seems well-prepared for the season.

Qatar has warned that it will stop gas exports to the European Union if penalties are imposed under the bloc's newly enacted sustainability due diligence legislation, according to Qatari Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi.