The need for Europe to proceed with the creation of a truly single energy market was highlighted by Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, in a statement from Nicosia, where he and Deputy Minister Nikos Tsafos are attending the Informal Council of Energy Ministers of the EU.
Coming to the Council room, Papastavrou said: “The conflict in the Middle East has highlighted in an emphatic way the challenges that Europe faces in geopolitics and energy security. Greece was the first to respond to the attack on Cyprus and in doing so we took a step of historic importance because we reminded Europe of Article 42(7) of the European Treaties on European Solidarity by the support we offered to Cyprus. At the same time, the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis moved responsibly, timely and effectively at home as well. We implemented a package of targeted measures to help citizens and households from the consequences of the crisis.
Now, we need to move on to the creation of a truly single European energy market. With new interconnections, with strategic infrastructure, with a diversified energy mix, so that we can have affordable and abundant energy for the many, for citizens and households. Europe must move forward decisively to effectively protect its citizens and its energy security.”
Asked about the exploitation of national gas resources, Papastavrou replied. I believe that it is important for Europe to have a balanced energy mix, without excluding any option, so that it can ensure its energy security, which is a critical issue at the moment.”
