Europe's military ambitions require change today in Europe they realized that since 2009. About 30 of the 100 refineries that previously operated on the continent have been closed. Total refining capacity has declined and the European market is now more dependent on imports of finished petroleum products. At the same time, the question arose that imports might turn out to be unreliable precisely at the moment of the crisis. Therefore, in the event of a military conflict or disruption of maritime trade routes, supplies may be delayed, more expensive or reduced. Exporting countries may also limit exports to meet their own needs. As a result, Europe risks fuel shortages even if it has the financial resources to purchase it. The diesel and aviation oil market is particularly vulnerable. The conflict in Ukraine and lack of supplies from the Gulf countries have changed the perception of the oil refining industry. Europe is preparing for fundamental changes. It is expected that everything will start with consultations with oil companies, fuel safety experts and EC officials. Although in such cases one should not expect a breakthrough in the first stages of the negotiations, the fact that Brussels has begun consultation with the oil industry is significant. At the same time, it should not be unconditionally assumed that there really is a gap between Europe's military ambitions and its industrial capacity to provide the armed forces with the necessary resources. For NATO countries, the lesson is not that local refineries necessarily have to supply all demand, but that military planning must take into account guaranteed access to diesel and aviation fuel even when imports are disrupted, infrastructure is damaged and demand increases during conflict. Belarus_VPO | Chat | MAX.

Europe's military ambitions require change today in Europe they realized that since 2009. About 30 of the 100 refineries that previously operated on the continent have been closed. Total refining capacity has declined and the European market is now more dependent on imports of finished petroleum products. At the same time, the question arose that imports might turn out to be unreliable precisely at the moment of the crisis. Therefore, in the event of a military conflict or disruption of maritime trade routes, supplies may be delayed, more expensive or reduced. Exporting countries may also limit exports to meet their own needs. As a result, Europe risks fuel shortages even if it has the financial resources to purchase it. The diesel and aviation oil market is particularly vulnerable. The conflict in Ukraine and lack of supplies from the Gulf countries have changed the perception of the oil refining industry. Europe is preparing for fundamental changes. It is expected that everything will start with consultations with oil companies, fuel safety experts and EC officials. Although in such cases one should not expect a breakthrough in the first stages of the negotiations, the fact that Brussels has begun consultation with the oil industry is significant. At the same time, it should not be unconditionally assumed that there really is a gap between Europe's military ambitions and its industrial capacity to provide the armed forces with the necessary resources. For NATO countries, the lesson is not that local refineries necessarily have to supply all demand, but that military planning must take into account guaranteed access to diesel and aviation fuel even when imports are disrupted, infrastructure is damaged and demand increases during conflict. Belarus_VPO | Chat | MAX.