Brussels, 30/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - Regional cooperation on energy and Energy Union were the focus of the biennial meeting between heads of government from Austria, Croatia and Slovenia, in Schladming on Saturday 28 March. The meeting was organised by European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic.
During a joint press conference, Austria's Chancellor Werner Faymann stated that his country advocated the abandonment of nuclear power at EU level, believing that Energy Union was a means for moving in this direction. Amongst the ideas reported by several media sources, Faymann underlined the importance of hydroelectricity and other environmentally friendly renewable energy sources.
Croatia's Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic underlined his country's commitment to Energy Union and stated that in this context, Croatia's priority was the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on the island of Krk. “This project is under way. We have applied for the Juncker plan”, Milanovic said, saying he expected a boost to be given to this project. He also noted that Croatia is “in a somewhat more comfortable position” than other central European countries with regard to energy independence - with 60% of gas coming from its domestic production and with ongoing exploration in the Adriatic.
On the issue of nuclear energy, Milanovic pointed out that Croatia and Slovenia shared the plant on the island of Krsko. “We would be happy to have an alternative, but right now we don't. Right now we have 20% of renewable energy sources and we would like to have more. It would be great if we could do without nuclear energy - but that's the reality”, he said.
Slovenia's Prime Minister Miro Cerar underlined his country's support for EU energy integration and Slovenia's determination to provide sources of clean renewable energy. He also called for an energy policy that was accessible to citizens, profitable and environmentally friendly.
Sefcovic announced upcoming visits to Austria, Croatia and Slovenia in order to explain in more detail the importance of Energy Union. (Emmanuel Hagry)