Barroso: EU energy dependence to increase

BRUSSELS, July 2 (KUNA) -- President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso Wednesday warned that the EU's energy dependence is estimated to increase to 27% by 2030, and import to 53% of the energy of the 28-member bloc consumes.
Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, he said the solution is to diversify "our energy supply, one that includes renewable, one that improves the efficiency of our energy consumption and one that improves our energy infrastructure, establishes a genuine energy single market hopefully by the end of the year." "Our international partners are making progress in that area. So must we. It will not be possible to have a sustainable economy, with more jobs, if we have an unsustainable environment, remain vulnerable to external shocks, like the current crisis in Ukraine, and if we continue to suffer from energy insecurity," said the head of the EU's executive body. Barroso noted that the agenda of the next summit of EU leaders in Brussels in October will be devoted to the EU Energy Security Strategy.
Turning to Ukraine, he said Brussels will host on July 8 a high-level meeting to coordinate international assistance to the country.
He said the EU is determined to continue with the double track approach on Ukraine.
"On one side, to show Russia that this behaviour is not acceptable and we are ready to take if necessary additional measures; and on the other side our determination to do everything that is in our capacity to support an independent sovereign, democratic and prosperous Ukraine," he underlined.
So far, the EU has disbursed 750 million euro towards Ukraine and also completed last week the Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, he added. (end) nk.tg