Dutch MPs want answers on Russian gas import plan

The coalition is divided over plans to buy more gas from Russia, and MPs also want ministers to clarify their position, Dutch media report on Thursday.

Russian gas imports may be necessary now economic affairs minister Henk Kamp has decided to again cut gas extraction from the large reserves under Groningen province to head off the risk of further earthquakes.

Labour MPs, in particular, are not in favour of doing business ‘with an authoritarian country like Russia’, while VVD parliamentarians describe the move as ‘logical’, broadcaster Nos reports.

Kamp said earlier this week that increased Russian gas imports were one option, should the Netherlands face a gas shortage.

Labour MP Michiel Servaes told Nos ‘we have to be prepared to make choices which might hurt’. ‘But if Europe wants to take a stand against an authoritarian country like Russia, that involves more than trade agreements.’

Ukraine

The relationship between the Netherlands and Russia has worsened since the annexation of Crimea and Moscow’s support for the separatists in Ukraine.

However, the other rulling party – the right-wing VVD – says political and trade interests can be kept separate.

Hot showers

‘People in the Netherlands want a hot shower and hot food and that gas has to come from somewhere,’ VVD MP Martin Bosman said.

MPs from across the political spectrum have asked the cabinet to clarify its position on Russian gas. ‘The cabinet knew last year the relationship with Russia had changed and has still not found enough durable alternatives,’ D66 parliamentarian Sjoerd Sjoerdsma is quoted as saying by website nu.nl.

MPs will discuss the Dutch relationship with Russia with foreign affairs minister Bert Koenders later on Thursday.