ECR MEPs Advocate for Swift Phase-Out of Russian Gas Imports
Members of the European Conservatives and Reformists critique EU energy dependence on Russia amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Members of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group have intensified their calls for a swift phase-out of Russian gas imports, emphasizing the risks posed by the European Union's continued reliance on Russian energy.
During a debate in the European Parliament, Adam Bielan, the ECR Coordinator for the Foreign Affairs Committee, highlighted the perils associated with ongoing energy dependence, characterizing it as a serious security threat.
Bielan underscored the EU's reliance on Russian fossil fuels, stating that it has served as a 'tool of political blackmail' that funds a regime involved in regional conflicts.
The ECR has historically opposed such reliance, having warned against over-dependence on Russian energy well before the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Bielan criticized the current sanctions on Russia for being ineffective due to enforcement gaps, calling for comprehensive measures that would include full sanctions on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), a ban on transshipment through EU ports, and legal frameworks to prevent circumvention of restrictions by intermediaries.
He expressed concern over delays in the EU's commitment to fully halt Russian gas imports by 2027 and asserted the need for a strategic vision that accommodates diversification and innovation in the energy sector.
Bielan proposed ensuring that new investments do not create alternate dependencies, advocating for strengthened partnerships with nations like Norway and the United States, as well as an accelerated shift towards nuclear energy and hydrogen.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of supporting Member States most affected by the transition away from Russian energy sources, asserting that energy security must not result in economic hardship.
Bielan further advocated for a balanced transition that protects the industrial base of Europe, dismissing the notion of sacrificing industries for environmental ideologies.
The ECR maintains its stance for a pragmatic, security-focused EU energy policy aimed at safeguarding residents and businesses, while ending reliance on adversarial regimes.
During a debate in the European Parliament, Adam Bielan, the ECR Coordinator for the Foreign Affairs Committee, highlighted the perils associated with ongoing energy dependence, characterizing it as a serious security threat.
Bielan underscored the EU's reliance on Russian fossil fuels, stating that it has served as a 'tool of political blackmail' that funds a regime involved in regional conflicts.
The ECR has historically opposed such reliance, having warned against over-dependence on Russian energy well before the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Bielan criticized the current sanctions on Russia for being ineffective due to enforcement gaps, calling for comprehensive measures that would include full sanctions on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), a ban on transshipment through EU ports, and legal frameworks to prevent circumvention of restrictions by intermediaries.
He expressed concern over delays in the EU's commitment to fully halt Russian gas imports by 2027 and asserted the need for a strategic vision that accommodates diversification and innovation in the energy sector.
Bielan proposed ensuring that new investments do not create alternate dependencies, advocating for strengthened partnerships with nations like Norway and the United States, as well as an accelerated shift towards nuclear energy and hydrogen.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of supporting Member States most affected by the transition away from Russian energy sources, asserting that energy security must not result in economic hardship.
Bielan further advocated for a balanced transition that protects the industrial base of Europe, dismissing the notion of sacrificing industries for environmental ideologies.
The ECR maintains its stance for a pragmatic, security-focused EU energy policy aimed at safeguarding residents and businesses, while ending reliance on adversarial regimes.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
