EU calls to move away from Russian energy even after war in Ukraine
Photo: European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen (Getty Images)
EU Commissioner for Energy, Dan Jørgensen, emphasized that even after the war ends, Europe should not return to purchasing Russian energy resources, The Guardian reports.
Jørgensen explained that the goal was very clear: to stop imports as quickly as possible.
"Even when there is peace, it is my opinion that we should still not import," he said, stressing that this is not a temporary sanction but a measure that will remain in place.
The EU Commissioner also stated that the EU will never again buy a "single molecule" of Russian energy once the appropriate decision is made. According to him, the EU urgently needs to address its energy dependence on Russia.
Jørgensen recalled that a few months ago, he had proposed an actual ban on gas imports, which is now being discussed in the European Parliament and among member states. He stressed the importance of reaching an agreement to send Russia a clear signal that the EU will no longer tolerate blackmail from the Kremlin.
The Commissioner noted that the EU will not accept Russia turning energy into a weapon and added that Europe will not indirectly risk helping finance Russia’s war.
US President Donald Trump, during a recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, urged Europe to abandon Russian oil.
Despite this, Trump has been slow to strengthen sanctions against Russia, even though agreements with European leaders were reached.
Earlier, Axios, citing sources in the White House, reported that the US is calling on Europe to tighten sanctions against Russia. This includes a complete halt to imports of Russian gas and oil, and Washington also wants Europe to impose tariffs on India and China.
