{"id":1930779,"date":"2026-05-12T08:51:51","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T05:51:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1930779"},"modified":"2026-05-12T08:51:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T05:51:51","slug":"eu-energy-ministers-to-mull-domestic-gas-drilling-amid-security-concerns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1930779","title":{"rendered":"EU energy ministers to mull domestic gas drilling amid security concerns"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/42\/07\/1200x675_cmsv2_cdb4c525-8a2e-5da5-b9ff-bb8f8e0024e4-9754207.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2892859-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2892859\" data-cid=\"9754353\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892859-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/67\/19\/36\/189x106_cmsv2_73c99f4f-23f5-5ba1-8e32-5e73ef8c354a-9671936.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping pose ahead of their summit talk in Busan, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2025 (AP Photo\/Mark Schiefelbein)\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    China<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    A weakened Trump to test China&#8217;s appetite for deal-making in Beijing\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893063-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2893063\" data-cid=\"9755253\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893063-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/52\/53\/189x106_cmsv2_f15495b7-243d-51f9-ba62-f0e10b2b2c50-9755253.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Engaging with arts linked to slower pace of ageing\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Lifestyle<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Doing regular cultural activities linked to slower ageing, study finds\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893098-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2893098\" data-cid=\"9755420\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893098-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/54\/20\/189x106_cmsv2_98742979-51cb-55e3-88c4-4df9fa65807b-9755420.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Plainclothes police officers and local residents examine damage at the site of a bomb explosion at a market in Sarai Norag, 12 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Pakistan<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Nine killed after bomb rigged to rickshaw explodes at Pakistan bazaar\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892949-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2892949\" data-cid=\"9754761\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892949-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/47\/61\/189x106_cmsv2_4f6abea2-0172-52f4-ba96-8358256ac9d5-9754761.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\" Thomas Byrne, Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ireland hopes new Budapest government will allow for Ukraine&#8217;s EU path\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892859-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2892859\" data-cid=\"9754353\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892859-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/67\/19\/36\/189x106_cmsv2_73c99f4f-23f5-5ba1-8e32-5e73ef8c354a-9671936.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping pose ahead of their summit talk in Busan, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2025 (AP Photo\/Mark Schiefelbein)\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    China<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    A weakened Trump to test China&#8217;s appetite for deal-making in Beijing\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893063-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2893063\" data-cid=\"9755253\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893063-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/52\/53\/189x106_cmsv2_f15495b7-243d-51f9-ba62-f0e10b2b2c50-9755253.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Engaging with arts linked to slower pace of ageing\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Lifestyle<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Doing regular cultural activities linked to slower ageing, study finds\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893098-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2893098\" data-cid=\"9755420\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893098-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/54\/20\/189x106_cmsv2_98742979-51cb-55e3-88c4-4df9fa65807b-9755420.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Plainclothes police officers and local residents examine damage at the site of a bomb explosion at a market in Sarai Norag, 12 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Pakistan<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Nine killed after bomb rigged to rickshaw explodes at Pakistan bazaar\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892949-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2892949\" data-cid=\"9754761\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892949-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/47\/61\/189x106_cmsv2_4f6abea2-0172-52f4-ba96-8358256ac9d5-9754761.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\" Thomas Byrne, Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ireland hopes new Budapest government will allow for Ukraine&#8217;s EU path\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            EU energy ministers to mull domestic gas drilling amid security concerns<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/42\/07\/1536x864_cmsv2_cdb4c525-8a2e-5da5-b9ff-bb8f8e0024e4-9754207.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his Bulgarian counterpart Kiril Petkov, take part in the the inauguration of a gas pipeline in Komotini, Greece, 8 July 2022.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his Bulgarian counterpart Kiril Petkov, take part in the the inauguration of a gas pipeline in Komotini, Greece, 8 July 2022.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo \/ Dimtiris Papamitsos Source Greek Prime Minister&#8217;s Office<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo \/ Dimtiris Papamitsos Source Greek Prime Minister&#8217;s Office\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspMarta Pacheco\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1778575911\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-05-12 10:51:51 +02:00\">12\/05\/2026 &#8211; 10:51 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"11:01\">11:01<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center 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class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        The EU Cyprus Presidency will raise the question during an informal gathering of ministers amid energy security concerns and soaring prices. Gas projects in Greece, Italy, Romania and Poland were flagged as available resources with potential for increased explorations.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>European Union energy ministers are expected to discuss domestic natural gas drilling during an informal meeting in Cyprus on 13 May, against a backdrop of rising oil and gas prices and concerns over supply shortages, according to a document seen by Euronews.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Since the US-led conflict involving Iran, the EU has been grappling with an escalating energy crisis. Natural gas prices have remained elevated, standing at roughly double those in the United States and China, despite four years of market disruption following Russia\u2019s withdrawal from the European market in 2022.<\/p>\n<p>The document highlights the bloc\u2019s success in cutting its reliance on Russian gas from 45% to 12% since the start of the war in Ukraine. However, it also warns that the EU has become increasingly exposed to volatility in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, particularly following disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGiven the current price shocks and the volatility of the global LNG market, how do you see the role of indigenous gas resources as a collective mechanism for price stability across the Union?\u201d the document asks energy ministers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Europe loses its grip as LNG cargoes chase higher prices in Asia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>The question, set to be raised by the EU Council Presidency, comes as the bloc continues efforts to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Higher energy prices have already added an estimated \u20ac24 billion to EU import costs.<\/p>\n<p>Although the EU\u2019s climate ambitions remain central to policymakers\u2019 messaging \u2014 with the Climate Action Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra recently reaffirming support for ending oil and gas drilling \u2014 some analysts and industry representatives argue that renewable energy alone will not be sufficient to meet demand in the short term.<\/p>\n<p>As governments move to secure energy supplies amid soaring prices, several member states appear increasingly open to expanding natural gas production. Romania, for instance, has been extracting gas from the Black Sea since March 2025.<\/p>\n<h2>EU countries consider new gas projects<\/h2>\n<p>Since April, Greece has launched its first offshore exploratory drilling campaign for natural gas in almost four decades, targeting potentially significant reserves in the Ionian Sea. Operations are expected to begin in early 2027.<\/p>\n<p>Italy is also considering reviving offshore oil and gas exploration projects suspended in 2019.<\/p>\n<p>The document specifically references Romania\u2019s Neptun Deep project, Greece\u2019s offshore exploration plans, Poland\u2019s Baltic Sea developments, Italy\u2019s Mediterranean ambitions and wider North Sea cooperation as examples of the bloc\u2019s existing domestic gas potential.<\/p>\n<p>Croatia recently announced a US-backed agreement to expand gas pipelines and energy infrastructure across the Balkans. <\/p>\n<p>Industry estimates meanwhile suggest Cyprus holds the region\u2019s largest untapped reserves, with geological assessments indicating around 324.1 billion cubic metres of gas \u2014 roughly equivalent to the EU\u2019s average annual consumption.<\/p>\n<p>The prospect of increased gas drilling has drawn criticism from environmental groups. In a letter sent ahead of the Cyprus meeting, Climate Action Network Europe urged ministers to adopt a binding annual target to reduce gas demand by 7%.<\/p>\n<p>Industry representatives maintain that gas will continue to play a significant role in Europe\u2019s energy mix, particularly in ensuring security of supply, system flexibility and industrial competitiveness during the green transition.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">EU leaders urge Commission to present concrete options to lower electricity bills<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Energy prices push up inflation in Germany and Spain ahead of ECB decision<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cEnsuring Europe\u2019s strategic autonomy will require a diversified energy mix, including domestic natural gas production alongside the accelerated scale-up of both domestic and imported renewable and low-carbon gases such as biomethane and hydrogen,\u201d Andreas Guth, secretary-general of Eurogas, told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>Guth added that adapting and repurposing existing infrastructure over time would be essential to protecting long-term investments while maintaining progress towards climate neutrality.<\/p>\n<p>EU leaders have repeatedly urged households and businesses to reduce energy consumption, while insisting that Europe\u2019s long-term energy independence depends on expanding domestic renewable power generation.<\/p>\n<p>However, experts note that fully integrating wind and solar power will require extensive upgrades to electricity grids and large-scale energy storage infrastructure \u2014 a transition expected to take years and require trillions of euros in investment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn the short and medium term, we will still need quite a lot of gas, and that need has only increased with our decision to phase out Russian gas,\u201d Energy Commissioner Dan J\u00f8rgensen told reporters in March.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Croatia signs US-backed deal to expand Balkan gas infrastructure amid EU climate concerns<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  QatarEnergy declares force majeure as attacks halt liquid natural gas production<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  European gas prices jump by as much as 45% as Qatar stops LNG production <\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  EU Policy<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Europe&#8217;s energy crisis<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Cyprus EU Presidency<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Natural gas<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Energy<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2893026-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893026\" data-cid=\"9755043\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893026-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/50\/43\/320x180_cmsv2_9dc6540d-5100-5de3-a4ac-de2984f51eff-9755043.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Passengers are sprayed with disinfectant after disembarking from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius at Tenerife airport in the Canary Islands, Spain, May 10, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    12 hospital workers quarantined after faulty hantavirus procedure<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2892805-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892805\" data-cid=\"9754038\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892805-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/40\/38\/320x180_cmsv2_27a41595-e568-5164-ac69-517cda89435f-9754038.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman sits in a hospital bed an looks outside towards the light. After an infection with Hantavirus, many continue to suffer long-term physical and mental health problems.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What hantavirus does to survivors long after infection<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2893065-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893065\" data-cid=\"9755303\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893065-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/52\/55\/320x180_cmsv2_6cbff490-9ba0-52f6-a27e-2d10aa5ee538-9755255.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid on February 4, 2019. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain and WHO declare hantavirus cruise evacuation &#8216;a success&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2893073-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893073\" data-cid=\"9755274\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893073-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/52\/74\/320x180_cmsv2_1998e5ec-dfb6-546b-b625-ca099d8516b3-9755274.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Summit on Artificial lntelligence and Children, May 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Von der Leyen opens door to EU-wide social media ban for children<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2893077-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893077\" data-cid=\"9755328\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893077-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/53\/28\/320x180_cmsv2_cb40aa3c-898e-54a5-bcda-2417a4f2d32d-9755328.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: Andriy Yermak, former head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, sits during an interview with AP, Kyiv, Ukraine, Feb. 6, 2025,\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Zelenskyy&#8217;s ex-chief of staff named as suspect in major graft probe<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2892282-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892282\" data-cid=\"9751943\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Which EU capitals have minimum wages that don\u2019t cover rent?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2892753-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892753\" data-cid=\"9753856\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div 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Here&#8217;s what could happen<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2892550-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892550\" data-cid=\"9753045\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iraqi shepherd uncovers secret Israeli military base in desert<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2893026-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893026\" data-cid=\"9755043\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    12 hospital workers quarantined after faulty hantavirus procedure<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893026-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893026\" data-cid=\"9755043\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893026-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/50\/43\/320x180_cmsv2_9dc6540d-5100-5de3-a4ac-de2984f51eff-9755043.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Passengers are sprayed with disinfectant after disembarking from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius at Tenerife airport in the Canary Islands, Spain, May 10, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    12 hospital workers quarantined after faulty hantavirus procedure<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892805-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892805\" data-cid=\"9754038\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892805-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/40\/38\/320x180_cmsv2_27a41595-e568-5164-ac69-517cda89435f-9754038.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman sits in a hospital bed an looks outside towards the light. After an infection with Hantavirus, many continue to suffer long-term physical and mental health problems.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What hantavirus does to survivors long after infection<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893065-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893065\" data-cid=\"9755303\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893065-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/52\/55\/320x180_cmsv2_6cbff490-9ba0-52f6-a27e-2d10aa5ee538-9755255.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid on February 4, 2019. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain and WHO declare hantavirus cruise evacuation &#8216;a success&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893073-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893073\" data-cid=\"9755274\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893073-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/52\/74\/320x180_cmsv2_1998e5ec-dfb6-546b-b625-ca099d8516b3-9755274.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Summit on Artificial lntelligence and Children, May 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Von der Leyen opens door to EU-wide social media ban for children<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893077-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893077\" data-cid=\"9755328\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893077-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/53\/28\/320x180_cmsv2_cb40aa3c-898e-54a5-bcda-2417a4f2d32d-9755328.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: Andriy Yermak, former head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, sits during an interview with AP, Kyiv, Ukraine, Feb. 6, 2025,\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Zelenskyy&#8217;s ex-chief of staff named as suspect in major graft probe<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892282-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892282\" data-cid=\"9751943\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Which EU capitals have minimum wages that don\u2019t cover rent?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892753-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892753\" data-cid=\"9753856\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Small Portuguese liqueur brand wins legal fight against Louis Vuitton<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892894-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892894\" data-cid=\"9754462\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The strongest El Ni\u00f1o on record is brewing. Here&#8217;s what could happen<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892550-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892550\" data-cid=\"9753045\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iraqi shepherd uncovers secret Israeli military base in desert<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893026-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893026\" data-cid=\"9755043\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    12 hospital workers quarantined after faulty hantavirus procedure<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">European Union energy ministers are expected to discuss domestic natural gas drilling during an informal meeting in Cyprus on 13 May, against a backdrop of rising oil and gas prices and concerns over supply shortages, according to a document seen by Euronews.Since the US-led conflict involving Iran, the EU has been grappling with an escalating energy crisis. Natural gas prices have remained elevated, standing at roughly double those in the United States and China, despite four years of market disruption following Russia\u2019s withdrawal from the European market in 2022.The document highlights the bloc\u2019s success in cutting its reliance on Russian gas from 45% to 12% since the start of the war in Ukraine. However, it also warns that the EU has become increasingly exposed to volatility in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, particularly following disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran.\u201cGiven the current price shocks and the volatility of the global LNG market, how do you see the role of indigenous gas resources as a collective mechanism for price stability across the Union?\u201d the document asks energy ministers.The question, set to be raised by the EU Council Presidency, comes as the bloc continues efforts to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Higher energy prices have already added an estimated \u20ac24 billion to EU import costs.Although the EU\u2019s climate ambitions remain central to policymakers\u2019 messaging \u2014 with the Climate Action Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra recently reaffirming support for ending oil and gas drilling \u2014 some analysts and industry representatives argue that renewable energy alone will not be sufficient to meet demand in the short term.As governments move to secure energy supplies amid soaring prices, several member states appear increasingly open to expanding natural gas production. Romania, for instance, has been extracting gas from the Black Sea since March 2025.EU countries consider new gas projectsSince April, Greece has launched its first offshore exploratory drilling campaign for natural gas in almost four decades, targeting potentially significant reserves in the Ionian Sea. Operations are expected to begin in early 2027.Italy is also considering reviving offshore oil and gas exploration projects suspended in 2019.The document specifically references Romania\u2019s Neptun Deep project, Greece\u2019s offshore exploration plans, Poland\u2019s Baltic Sea developments, Italy\u2019s Mediterranean ambitions and wider North Sea cooperation as examples of the bloc\u2019s existing domestic gas potential.Croatia recently announced a US-backed agreement to expand gas pipelines and energy infrastructure across the Balkans.Industry estimates meanwhile suggest Cyprus holds the region\u2019s largest untapped reserves, with geological assessments indicating around 324.1 billion cubic metres of gas \u2014 roughly equivalent to the EU\u2019s average annual consumption.The prospect of increased gas drilling has drawn criticism from environmental groups. In a letter sent ahead of the Cyprus meeting, Climate Action Network Europe urged ministers to adopt a binding annual target to reduce gas demand by 7%.Industry representatives maintain that gas will continue to play a significant role in Europe\u2019s energy mix, particularly in ensuring security of supply, system flexibility and industrial competitiveness during the green transition.\u201cEnsuring Europe\u2019s strategic autonomy will require a diversified energy mix, including domestic natural gas production alongside the accelerated scale-up of both domestic and imported renewable and low-carbon gases such as biomethane and hydrogen,\u201d Andreas Guth, secretary-general of Eurogas, told Euronews.Guth added that adapting and repurposing existing infrastructure over time would be essential to protecting long-term investments while maintaining progress towards climate neutrality.EU leaders have repeatedly urged households and businesses to reduce energy consumption, while insisting that Europe\u2019s long-term energy independence depends on expanding domestic renewable power generation.However, experts note that fully integrating wind and solar power will require extensive upgrades to electricity grids and large-scale energy storage infrastructure \u2014 a transition expected to take years and require trillions of euros in investment.\u201cIn the short and medium term, we will still need quite a lot of gas, and that need has only increased with our decision to phase out Russian gas,\u201d Energy Commissioner Dan J\u00f8rgensen told reporters in March.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/05\/12\/eu-energy-ministers-to-mull-domestic-gas-drilling-amid-security-concerns&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/42\/07\/1200x675_cmsv2_cdb4c525-8a2e-5da5-b9ff-bb8f8e0024e4-9754207.jpg&#8221;] China A weakened Trump to test China&#8217;s appetite for deal-making in Beijing Lifestyle Doing regular cultural activities linked to slower ageing, study finds Pakistan Nine killed after bomb rigged to rickshaw explodes at Pakistan bazaar Europe Today Ireland hopes new Budapest government will allow for Ukraine&#8217;s EU path China A weakened Trump [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1930779","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1930779","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1930779"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1930779\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1930779"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1930779"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1930779"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}