By Kate Abnett

BRUSSELS (Reuters), – Monday saw energy ministers from the European Union agree to link Ukraine’s electricity grid to a European power source immediately. This will increase Ukraine’s independence from Russia, following Moscow’s incursion.

Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014, making it Europe’s biggest gas supplier. This has raised concern about the disruption of energy supplies, and increased scrutiny on EU member countries’ dependence on fossil fuels imported from Russia.

The incident has caused concerns over Ukraine’s energy systems. EU ministers backed Monday’s long-planned linking of Ukraine’s electricity grid to Europe.

“There was widespread agreement at the table. After the meeting, Kadri Simonson, EU energy commissioner said that there was a broad agreement. “We will proceed…to connect Ukraine’s electricity system as rapidly as possible.”

Ukraine has requested emergency synchronization with an European system after it disconnected its grid last week from the Russian system. That would mean Russia would no longer control technical aspects of Ukraine’s network such as grid frequency. EU officials stated the connection could be complete in a matter of weeks.

Simson stated that Russia might take “retaliatory measures” to affect Europe’s energy supply in response the West’s sanctions. However, Europe could be able to weather this winter with its current gas stock levels and higher liquefied LNG deliveries.

According to Reuters, the Commission will propose next week that countries fill their gas storage tanks to minimum levels before winter. This is to help countries against price and supply shocks.

These proposals also will include provisions to increase renewable energy more quickly, and Brussels reiterates the necessity to reduce dependence on imports of fossil fuels, not just to combat climate change but for security.

The EU plans to cut gas consumption by more than 25% in 2030, but gas will likely remain a substantial part of Europe’s energy mix at least for the next ten years to meet its climate targets.

Barbara Pompili from France, the ecological transition minister, said that they must work to develop renewable energy with low carbon so we don’t become so dependent on natural gas. She chaired this ministers’ meeting.

Russia provides around 40% of Europe’s natural gas. EU rules mandate that every member country must have a plan in place to deal with gas supply shocks. This plan has been revised by the EU over recent weeks.

Analysts claim that an abrupt or complete halt to Russian gas delivery to Europe could have devastating economic effects, which would force emergency measures like the closure of factories.

On Monday, gas prices in the Netherlands rose 11% due to fears about Russian disruptions. Gazprom (MCX) stated that it supplies gas through Ukraine to meet European demand.

EU ministers also considered a proposal by Greece for an EU fund with low-interest loans that could be used to finance government measures to address high energy costs.

In response to the soaring prices of gas in recent months, household and industrial bills have risen. Governments in many EU countries are offering tax and subsidy breaks and subsidies.

Kostas Skrekas (Greek energy minister) stated that “we must not underestimate how the Russian invasion will affect energy prices and security.”