We’re still far too dependent - EU energy unity proposed

IN a world that seems increasingly volatile, it is reassuring that the EU has decided to try to reduce its dependence on Russian energy.

Maros Sefcovic, a vice-president of the European Commission in charge of energy policy, yesterday announced that the EU will establish a single European market in energy supplies, purchases, and consumption in a bid to end the Kremlin’s stranglehold on Europe’s gas supplies.

This project is especially important for Ireland as we, despite many promises to reduce the ratio, still import around 90% of our energy needs. This is one of the highest dependency rates in Europe and it leaves us particularly vulnerable to political and market instability. Two years ago, we spent €6.7bn importing energy.