At the G7 speakers conference in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday 8 September, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, spoke of the various actions taken by the European Union to ensure energy security, market stability and the bloc’s energy independence, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the surge in energy prices.
The President mentioned the European Union’s target of a 15% reduction in natural gas demand, which has now been exceeded, but also the obligation for Member States to fill their gas storage reserves to 90% (see EUROPE 13234/12) in preparation for winter. She also spoke about the creation of the EU energy platform for joint gas procurement (see EUROPE 13224/16).
“When we talk to our citizens and prepare for the European elections in June, they can be assured that our strategic gas reserves are guaranteed and that we are much better prepared for any instability on the energy markets”.
She also recalled the EU’s past dependence on Russia.
“What we should have realised then, and I think we have realised now, is that Russia will continue to use energy as a political tool”, she said.
She then mentioned the “ambitious legislative package” launched by the EU to accelerate the deployment of renewable energies in Europe and launch a “clean tech” revolution.
She also insisted on building a coalition of reliable partners, having less dependence on single suppliers and ensuring that Europe-wide decisions are “inclusive” of smaller economies, “including uranium suppliers”.
Finally, she called for a collective effort to reduce emissions and encourage interparliamentary work. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)