It appears President Obamas "costs" imposed on Russia have boomerangd just too much for Europe to take. As Reuters reports, The EU is seeking to create a single energy market, based on cross-border connections to improve security of supply and reduce dependence on Russia, which supplies roughly one third of EU energy. The headline pivot away from Putin, likely misses the fact that there is very little a stagnating Europe can do, even in the medium term, to reduce dependence on Washingtons nemesis.
The European Union will consider "reframing" energy relations based on market conditions with Russia when the time is right and for now is focusing on building a strategic gas partnership with Ukraine, a draft document shows.
The European Commission, the EU executive, is seeking to create a single energy market, based on cross-border connections to improve security of supply and reduce dependence on Russia, which supplies roughly one third of EU energy.
Next week, the Commission is expected to publish formally its strategy on an energy union.
"When the conditions are right, the EU will consider reframing the energy relationship with Russia based on a level playing field in terms of market opening, fair competition, environmental protection and safety, for the mutual benefit of both sides," a draft of the Energy Union Package seen by Reuters says.
For now, it says particular attention will be paid to upgrading "the strategic partnership on energy" with Ukraine.
It says it will address Ukraines importance as a transit country, as well as improving infrastructure and Ukraines energy efficiency to reduce its dependence on imports.
Russias long-standing gas relations with the EU and Ukraine, the main transit route for Russian gas to the EU, have deteriorated since Russias seizure of Ukraines Crimea region last year.
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Good luck with that strategy change...
