Amid ongoing fears the bill could trigger an avalanche of lawsuits from Russian energy firms, Niinistö also said he would “look at” its legal basis “to make sure that there are no undue legal consequences for European companies.” The Commission declined to comment.
Before the proposal becomes law, the MEP will have to forge a compromise among the Parliament’s various political groups — a feat he hopes to accomplish by “early fall” and by talking “with everyone,” including Russia-friendly far-right and far-left lawmakers.
Then, he will have to hash out a deal with EU countries, where the bill faces stiff opposition from Hungary and Slovakia, who remain deeply reliant on Russian oil and gas. The bill doesn’t need their backing to pass, but sidelining them risks torpedoing other related laws in process where they hold vetoes.
While both countries have demanded money in exchange for switching suppliers, the proposal currently offers no financial incentives for shifting away from Moscow. Niinistö, though, acknowledged that cash to bring them on board will inevitably come under “discussion.”
In the meantime, he urged countries and MEPs to put national interests aside and make the bill a reality.
“We should have a broader European interest in mind,” he said.