| The EU’s Energy Dilema 02-02-2007 |
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| European Union’s reliance on
Russia for energy supplies has been described as “downright dangerous”. “W'hen a nation falls out with the Kremlin, Russia responds by using its energy supply as blackmail,” said UK Independence Party MEP John Whittaker, today. “It has already switched off gas supply to the Ukraine and stopped pumping oil through Belarus. Who says that Western Europe will not be next?' “The EU’s reliance on Russia is downright dangerous. We cannot allow the same situation to arise in the UK; therefore we must become more self-reliant,” said Dr Whittaker. “To achieve this, we need to reduce the overbearing tax burden on North Sea oil and we must be committed to building new nuclear power stations.” Dr Whittaker, Euro MP, is a member of the Economic and Monetary Committee in the European Parliament . “Its most recent meeting proved the European Union has a big dilemma on its hands: It is increasingly dependent on Russia for energy, while knowing the Kremlin is not entirely trustworthy,” he said. Russia holds 26% of the world's gas reserves; holds a similar share of the world's oil and has the world's largest coal reserve. Russia is the EU's third most important trading partner and its importance is growing, mainly through the export of gas and oil. Western Europe depends on Russia for a significant proportion of its energy supplies, particularly gas. As the EU expands east its reliance on Russia increases further. For example, 100% of Slovakia's oil is imported from Russia, as is 98% of Hungary's. ends Notes for editors – Dr Whittaker is available for interview on 07752643946 For further information contact - Lynda Roughley - 0151 236 0041; 07845 333764, email lyndaroughley@aol.com. |