The European Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement to extend the EU Gas Storage Regulation through 2027. The extended rules will continue requiring Member States to fill gas storage facilities to 90 % each year, helping safeguard energy supply and stabilise gas markets.

The agreement introduces greater flexibility, allowing countries to meet targets between 1 October and 1 December annually. In exceptional cases of market strain or technical limitations, further flexibilities apply. While storage trajectories are now indicative, Member States may adjust them as needed.

The Commission will support implementation through cooperation with Member States, continued monitoring of supply risks, and promotion of demand aggregation and joint purchasing. A broader review of the EU energy security framework is also planned.

First adopted during the 2022 energy crisis, the Gas Storage Regulation has played a key role in reducing supply disruption risks and dependence on Russian gas. The EU has consistently exceeded its storage targets, helping ensure secure and affordable energy.