Energy solidarity
Germany and Russia have established an agreement on delivering natural gas through pipelines in the Baltic Sea, avoiding Polish territory.
This arrangement is very unpopular in Poland where they see it as a threat in a new energy crisis. They have therefore argued for a solidarity clause about supply difficulties.
In the Lisbon Treaty, the Polish government succeeded in having the word “solidarity” included in the new energy chapter. The Commission can then put forward proposals for dealing with energy distribution during supply crises. Rules with this aim may be adopted by the ordinary legislative procedure requiring double majority in the Council.
See Article 194.1 TFEU.