The European Union believes that the direct impact of the US and Israeli military operation against Iran on European energy markets remains limited in the short term. The main challenge now is high energy prices, not security of supply.
This was announced by the spokeswoman of the European Commission, Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, a correspondent of Suspilny reports.
“We are far less concerned about security of supply than we are about high energy prices. This moment is a reminder that we need to focus on strengthening our energy independence and resilience, and we have been doing so for many years. For example, thanks to our diversification strategy, the direct impact of the conflict in the Middle East on energy markets remains limited in the short term,” the spokeswoman said.
She recalled that the EU member states have already established diversified supplies of pipeline and liquefied gas from different countries, as well as a strategic oil reserve. The largest gas suppliers to the EU are Norway and the USA. At the same time, the EU does not import oil or gas from Iran, which reduces risks to energy security.
The spokeswoman added that on March 10, the European Commission will present a new Energy Package for Citizens, which will focus on accelerating investment in clean energy and technologies.
“The countries with the lowest electricity prices are those with the highest share of renewables in the balance sheet. We aim to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels while lowering energy bills for citizens and businesses,” the spokeswoman noted.