US-EU Seek Cooperation on 'Energy Security Discussions' Amid Ukraine Crisis

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] The United States and the European Union (EU) will discuss ways to strengthen energy security and cooperation on the 7th (local time).

The US and the EU will hold the EU-US Energy Council in Washington DC on the same day. This meeting is attracting attention as it is held amid rising tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukraine issue.

From the US side, Secretary of State Tony Blinken and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm will co-chair the meeting, while from the EU side, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson will jointly preside over the meeting.

At this meeting, a wide range of energy-related issues will be discussed, including accelerating the clean energy transition and cooperation on joint commitments for carbon neutrality, but the topic drawing particular attention is cooperation measures for energy security.

Concerns are growing over the possibility of Russia invading Ukraine, raising fears that if Russia attacks Ukraine and the West imposes sanctions on Russia, Russia may cut off gas supplies to Europe.

Russia, which annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014, recently deployed about 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border. US intelligence agencies believe that Russia could launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine as early as the beginning of this year.

Recently, global supply issues have caused energy prices to soar, and gas prices within the EU have risen 6 to 10 times compared to a year ago, increasing the burden of electricity bills.

High Representative Borrell said the day before the meeting, "Energy has always been almost the most important geopolitical issue," adding, "Due to the crisis with Russia causing high prices and gas supply problems, energy is our top agenda."

He continued, "We need to address short-term pressures while adhering to the long-term goal of carbon-neutral transition," and added, "This EU-US Energy Council will strengthen cooperation across the Atlantic in this area."

High Representative Borrell emphasized, "By reducing the overall proportion of gas imports from Russia, we will invest not only in the green transition but also in reducing our strategic dependence."

He said that Russia has previously used energy supply for political purposes, stating, "Together with the US and other partners, we oppose the use of energy supply as a weapon and geopolitical leverage."

High Representative Borrell noted that over recent weeks, Russia has been complying with contractual commitments with Europe, but the Russian state-owned gas company Gazprom has refused additional supplies to refill European storage facilities.

Borrell added that efforts will be made to diversify import routes and energy resources to address immediate gas supply issues. He emphasized that cooperation with the US will be strengthened in the coming months to ensure gas supply.

In addition, the EU said it is discussing expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies with Norway, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Algeria, and others.

During this visit to the US, High Representative Borrell plans to hold bilateral talks with Secretary Blinken to discuss urgent international issues. He is also scheduled to meet with members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Commissioner Simson will also discuss transatlantic relations in the energy sector with US congressional officials.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.