The US and the EU have reached an agreement on gas supply to reduce their reliance on Russia

On the 25th, the United States and the European Union (EU) announced a supply agreement to increase the bloc’s access to liquefied natural gas (LNG) to reduce Europe’s reliance on Russian energy following the invasion of Ukraine.

The agreement includes the creation of an emergency task force whose main objective in the short term is to supply additional volumes of at least 15 billion cubic meters of LNG to the EU in 2022, with expected increases in the future to reach 50 billion cubic meters per year by 2030. The US is also committed to expediting legislation that allows faster gas sales whenever needed.

“These measures will enhance [Europe’s] energy security, economic security, and national security,” US President Joe Biden said when announcing the deal. “I know that eliminating Russian gas will be costly to Europe. But this is not only the right thing to do from a moral point of view; it will put us on a much stronger strategic footing.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said alongside Biden, who is visiting Europe, that the EU is now on the “right track” to wean itself off Russian gas and diversify its suppliers, who will now be allied and reliable.

In the document released by the White House, the parties stated that they are committed to reducing Europe’s reliance on Russian energy. “We reaffirm our singular commitment to Europe’s energy security and sustainability and hasten the global transition to clean energy.”

Through the Joint European action for more affordable, secure, and sustainable energy (REPowerEU), the EU confirmed its goal of becoming independent of Russian fossil fuels by the end of the decade, replacing them with stable, affordable, reliable, and clean energy for EU citizens and businesses.

The document also states that the United States and the European Union are committed to meeting the Paris Agreement’s targets, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and maintaining a 1.5 degree Celsius temperature rise limit through a rapid transition to clean energy, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. These policies and technologies, they claim, will also contribute to the EU’s independence from Russian fossil fuels.

“Natural gas remains an important part of the EU’s energy system in the green transition,” the text states, “including ensuring that its carbon intensity decreases over time.”

The agreement marks the beginning of immediate cooperation to meet the emergency energy security goal of ensuring adequate gas storage levels before the following winter.

The US and EU express solidarity and support for Ukraine by strongly condemning Russia’s new invasion of Ukraine. “We share the goal of addressing the energy security emergency by securing the EU and Ukraine’s energy supply. Furthermore, we are encouraged by the continued progress toward Ukraine’s physical integration into the EU energy market. The EU and Ukraine’s energy security and sustainability are critical for European peace, freedom, and democracy,” the statement said.

Source: Valor Econômico

Para ler o artigo original completo, acesse:

https://valor.globo.com/mundo/noticia/2022/03/25/eua-e-ue-fecham-acordo-de-fornecimento-de-gas-para-reduzir-dependencia-da-russia.ghtml

Sharing is caring!