Energy union talks planned in Warsaw
PR dla Zagranicy
John Beauchamp
25.04.2014 14:27
The EC has announced that Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger will come to Warsaw on May 2 to discuss the details of Poland’s proposition of a pan-European energy union.
Photo: Glowimages
The move comes after Prime Minister Donald Tusk mooted the idea of an energy union in the Financial Times recently amid growing concerns of Russia’s delivery of gas to the 28-nation bloc following the crisis in Ukraine.
“The security of energy resources is one of the key topics on the agenda in the EU and every contribution to the discussion is well received,” the EC underlined, also confirming Oettinger’s visit to Warsaw at the begining of May.
At a March summit, European leaders obliged the European Commission to prepare an analysis of the EU’s energy security, which is to be ready in June.
Commissioner Oettinger has started consultations with member states on the issue, and will visit Warsaw as a result.
Poland’s view of an energy union would see the EU buy gas as a single unit, primarily from Russia. It also proposes greater investment in EU energy infrastructure, such as pipelines and interconnectors between countries.
France’s president, Francois Hollande gave his public support for the idea on Thursday, although German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s enthusiasm has been lukewarm thus far, in defence of German comapny interests. (jb)
Source: IAR/PAP