New Energy Security Strategy must put an end to EU vulnerability

“The EU is in urgent need of a framework for improved energy security, especially in the current geopolitical context”, said EPP Group MEP Algirdas Saudargas in a European Parliament debate on his proposal for a European Energy Security Strategy ahead of tomorrow’s plenary vote (Wednesday).

“Europe's dependence on energy resources not only hinders us from pursuing an independent foreign policy, but also affects the competitiveness of our industry, as well as all citizens' daily lives”, he said, adding that without better communication, collaboration and speaking with one voice to third countries, Europe will not be able to ensure a common energy policy and energy security. “Hence, we need to achieve that in cases of malfunction of external power supplies, solidarity between Member States is not just words, but concrete action.”

The Report focuses on long-term strategic objectives and includes concrete actions to moderate energy demand, increase indigenous energy production, develop energy technologies, and ensure further action to build a fully integrated and well-functioning internal energy market as well as solidarity and coordination mechanisms.

The Report is structured to cover the important aspects of the European Energy Union as regards energy security with a clear distinction of its internal and external dimensions.

In Saudargas’ view, special attention should be paid to the coordinated diversification of suppliers, routes and energy, as well as increasing local energy production and promotion. “We should be able to use local energy resources. This includes fossil fuels, renewable sources of energy and advanced technologies where Europe, with its innovative and skilled labour, is taking a leading role”, said the Rapporteur, reiterating his call for the better exploitation of Europe’s potential.

“The effective functioning of the internal market is the basis for ensuring energy security and solidarity between Member States. We need to give due attention to the development of interconnections and their optimum use. We should remember that in Europe, energy islands still exist and to ensure security, it is necessary to integrate them into the continental European networks”, said Saudargas, listing the priorities for EU energy security.

Finding the right balance between the various energy fields will be one of the main challenges in developing the EU Energy Union.

“The purpose of the Report is not to resolve the percentage of energy efficiency we have to achieve or how many buildings we need to renovate. We aimed at drawing basic guidelines under which we will seek to guarantee our security in the long and short terms”, he concluded.