Ankara, 6 September 2022 (TDI): The European Union EU Commission Chief accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of using energy as a weapon by cutting its supply.
The Commission Chief of the EU, Ursula von der Leyen stated in her recent tweet, “Putin is using energy as a weapon by cutting supply and manipulating our energy markets.”
She further stressed, “He will fail. Europe will prevail.”
Putin is using energy as a weapon by cutting supply and manipulating our energy markets.
He will fail.
Europe will prevail.
The @EU_Commission is preparing proposals to help vulnerable households and businesses to cope with high energy prices.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 5, 2022
European Union Commission proposal
The Chief Commission of the EU gave a proposal to counter the energy crisis caused by Russia. Leyen said the commission will attempt to lower the demand for power and set a price restriction on pipeline gas. This is a part of its plans to help vulnerable homes and businesses cope with high energy bills.
She stated, “The EU Commission proposal will aim to; Reduce electricity demand, Price cap on Russian pipeline gas, Help vulnerable consumers & businesses with revenue from the energy sector, Enable support to electricity producers facing liquidity challenges linked to volatility.”
Also read: President of EU Commission speech at Baltic Sea Summit
The gas prices increased after the Russian energy company Gazprom’s announcement. Gazprom announced the suspension of natural gas shipments from the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Europe permanently.
After the pipeline was fixed, supplies were intended to resume; however, Gazprom announced that the pipeline would remain closed.
Russia and the European Union
Russia is the EU’s largest neighbor. The EU and Russia have strong historical, cultural, scientific, and economic links and work together to address pressing global concerns. However, multiple strategic decisions made by the Russian government lately, have damaged relations between the EU and Russia.
Russia’s illegal occupation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and its current disruptive activities in Ukraine have strained the EU-Russia ties.
Due to Russia’s activities in Ukraine, the EU has implemented targeted sanctions including sectoral sanctions. Nonetheless, frameworks including frequent high-level discussions and cooperation remain postponed until Russia fully implements the Minsk agreements.
