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In the European Union, concrete steps are being discussed regarding the complete termination of dependence on Russian energy resources. In an exclusive interview, European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen spoke about the actions the European Union is taking, UATV English reports.
Despite the existing sanctions, exceptions and mechanisms for bypassing restrictions remain. Therefore, Brussels is preparing a new legislative proposal that should finally stop the import of even small volumes of Russian oil.
“We effectively have sanctions to stop the supply of Russian oil to Europe. There are two countries that have exemptions from these sanctions. But I intend to introduce a well-thought-out legislative proposal to stop this as well, so that in the future we completely get rid of Russian oil, even despite the fact that its volumes are small. And, of course, there is also the circumvention of sanctions and legislation,” Jørgensen noted.
According to him, fuel imports from Russia must be stopped as soon as possible. He emphasized that Europe can no longer indirectly finance Russia’s war against Ukraine by giving money to Putin for his energy needs.
“On behalf of the European Commission, we have clearly stated that we want to stop all imports of Russian energy to Europe. We can no longer indirectly finance the war by giving money to Putin for his energy needs. Therefore, this must stop as soon as possible,” the European Commissioner stated.
Jørgensen also spoke about Europe’s progress in reducing dependence on Russian gas. He noted that the share of Russian gas decreased from 45% in 2021 to slightly more than 10% now. But even this volume, the European Commissioner is convinced, must be completely eliminated. According to him, by the end of this year all LNG from Russia will be phased out, and by September next year Europe will completely stop importing pipeline gas.
“In 2021, we received 45% of our gas from Russia. Now we receive slightly more than 10%. That is, we have significantly reduced supplies. But even 10% is too much. Therefore, this must also disappear. And by the end of this year all LNG will be taken out of circulation. And then by the end of next year the remaining pipeline gas will disappear. It is not that much — even this smallest part will also disappear. So, in September next year we will completely get rid of Russian gas,” Jørgensen emphasized.
It should be recalled that Russia’s revenues from oil and gas sales in January decreased almost by half compared to the same period last year and reached the lowest level since July 2020.
Read the FULL interview with European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen.
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