Josep Borrell, announces the strengthening of cooperation between the EU and the Persian Gulf countries in the field of energy.
An energy necessity
Josep Borrell has Abu Dhabi, puts forward the need for an energy partnership with the Gulf countries. The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy analyses the evolution of the energy market. Before the Ukrainian crisis, the EU imported 40% of its energy from Russia; this contribution is now 8%.
As a result, while looking for other suppliers, Europe is turning to the Gulf, in particular the United Arab Emirates. Thus, a significant part of the EU’s energy supply comes from this part of the world. According to Joseph Borrell, the energy partnership makes more sense than ever.
Josep Borrell points out that this situation may last for several years. This changes the energy landscape of Europe. Thus, he states:
“We need to reduce our gas consumption. We need other suppliers and we need to continue to fight climate change at this time.”
A new partnership
The Gulf countries offer a large capacity of energy production based on renewable energy and renewable hydrogen. Thus, thehe creation of an energy partnership with these countries makes more sense than ever. The head of European diplomacy says:
“We need to look for partners to develop hydrogen, because here you have surface area and sunlight to produce green electricity and renewable hydrogen.”
The EU has a new strategy for more engagement and better partnership with the Gulf countries, according to Josep Borrell. He states:
“They have always been very important to us. Not only because they provide energy, but the Gulf is becoming a strategic part of the world halfway between Europe and South and East Asia.”
According to Josep Borrel, thehe Ukrainian crisis represents an opportunity towards decarbonization for the EU. The crisis is pushing governments to understand the need for more renewable energy, especially the need to develop hydrogen. Thus, the current energy crisis is accelerating the European energy transition.
