The European Union’s dependence on Russian gas must end, President Klaus Iohannis said in a joint conference with European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen on Thursday. The head of state pointed out that short, medium and long-term approaches are needed for the energy supply of the community space and for prices not to suffocate the economy.
The President said that Ursula Von der Leyen had informed him of the steps to increase the Union’s energy security.
“This is a strategic goal for all of us. Interconnection, liquefied natural gas imports, massive investments in renewables and in the civilian nuclear sector need to be further supported. For us, these energy issues are extremely important, and we have discussed these issues extensively with the Mrs. president. A short-term approach is needed to ensure the energy supply of all Member States of the Union. A medium-term approach is needed to have enough energy so that prices do not explode and the European economy is not suffocated. In our case, obviously, we must be careful that these prices do not suffocate the Romanian economy. And, yes, we do need a long-term approach. It is clear, and I emphasize, it is clear that the European Union’s dependence on Russian gas must end!,” said the head of state, according to Agerpres.
He said there was a need for more and better emphasis on alternative energy sources.
“And I found total understanding when I said that, for Romania, the decision is clear, we must move towards energy independence through investments in renewables and the civil nuclear sector,” Iohannis added.
In this context, the Head of State emphasized the importance of the Delegated Act approved and proposed by the Commission on the Taxonomy of Gas and Energy Produced in Nuclear Power Plants, in order to ensure a smooth transition to a green economy.
According to the president, the talks also focused on concrete ways to support the Republic of Moldova, which is also facing an increased wave of refugees, but also other economic or energy difficulties.
“Romania will continue to work closely with the European Commission. Unity, coordination and quick response to help Ukraine are our main strengths in these difficult times that we all live in,” said Iohannis.
The head of state said that “we are in an unprecedented situation, generated by the unjustified, illegal and unprovoked armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, in which not only the security of Ukraine, but also the transatlantic one is strongly threatened”.
“I want to take this opportunity to once again praise the courage of the Ukrainian people, who are fighting for freedom and resisting the deadly shots of an invader,” President Klaus Iohannis added.