Norway against EU energy union proposal
NTB/The Local - [email protected]
Published: 8 Aug, 2014 CET.
Updated: Fri 8 Aug 2014 16:39 CET
Norway has expressed concern over the EU's proposal to set up an energy union to counter the threat of sanctions by Russia.
Norway and EU minister Vidar Helgesen from Høyre (The Right Wing Party) fears that if such a union is established, then it will come in conflict with Norway's approach, reported the “Stavanger Aftenblad” on Friday.
The West's political conflict with Russia and the fear of the country closing their gas lines as a counter sanction has put the idea of an energy union back on the agenda. The idea behind an energy union has been in discussion since 2010. A union would ensure no European country would be dependant upon only one energy supplier. But such a policy on energy matters would have consequences for Norway, according to EU minister Vidar Helgesen. Helgesen is sceptical of too much cooperation on energy matters. He said to “Stavanger Aftenblad”: “The energy union could achieve elements that clash with our more commercial market based approach to energy security issues. It is therefore important for us to follow the discussion closely and contribute early and in a clear way to the debate with Norwegian experiences and viewpoints.” Russia did earlier close their gas lines for supply to Europe. The move resulted in a power crisis in Eastern Europe and parts of Germany.
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Norway and EU minister Vidar Helgesen from Høyre (The Right Wing Party) fears that if such a union is established, then it will come in conflict with Norway's approach, reported the “Stavanger Aftenblad” on Friday.
The West's political conflict with Russia and the fear of the country closing their gas lines as a counter sanction has put the idea of an energy union back on the agenda.
The idea behind an energy union has been in discussion since 2010. A union would ensure no European country would be dependant upon only one energy supplier. But such a policy on energy matters would have consequences for Norway, according to EU minister Vidar Helgesen.
Helgesen is sceptical of too much cooperation on energy matters. He said to “Stavanger Aftenblad”: “The energy union could achieve elements that clash with our more commercial market based approach to energy security issues. It is therefore important for us to follow the discussion closely and contribute early and in a clear way to the debate with Norwegian experiences and viewpoints.”
Russia did earlier close their gas lines for supply to Europe. The move resulted in a power crisis in Eastern Europe and parts of Germany.
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