An agreement's been reached by EU ministers to cut gas use by 15 per cent voluntarily.

However, a number of countries are exempt from the measure, while countries can also apply for a derogation in order to protect critical industries.

The move is designed to prepare the bloc for further cuts in Russian gas supplies and cope with the winter ahead.

The Czech Republic's Deputy Prime Minister, Jozef Sikela, believes today's deal will provide for sufficient gas savings...