Brussels, 07/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - At the very time that there is a certain amount of wavering political support in Europe for the Nabucco gas pipeline project, Commissioner Oettinger informed the World Petroleum Congress of the EU's strategic interest in diversifying its gas supplies.
Günther Oettinger told the Congress on 6 December that “to guarantee energy supplies, the EU needs more sources and routes for its gas supplies. This it is the essence of its diversification policy. It is a policy of risk mitigation and economic interest which offers mutually advantageous opportunities to us and to our suppliers.” The commissioner for energy also explained that it was in the EU's strategic interest to build and strengthen comprehensive and long-term partnerships with traditional and new suppliers, as well as with other major consumer countries and developing economies. (EH/transl.fl)