Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union (EU) Commission, made evaluations about the rise in energy prices at the European Economic and Social Committee General Assembly session held in Brussels.
Emphasizing that EU countries are extremely dependent on foreign natural gas, von der Leyen said, "The increase in energy prices worries us all. The increase in energy prices is due to the rise in natural gas prices. This is not a sustainable situation." he said.
"EUROPE IMPORTS 90 PERCENT OF NATURAL GAS"
Von der Leyen stated that Europe imports 90 percent of its natural gas needs, adding that "Europe's future energy security is clearly dependent on domestic and clean energy." said.
Pointing out that fossil fuel prices have become more expensive in recent years, von der Leyen said that on the other hand, the prices of renewable resources have not increased.
Von der Leyen stated that EU countries can protect consumers and businesses in the short term against high energy prices with public support and reduce their bills.
Voicing that the EU is also evaluating strategies such as establishing common gas reserves and supplying natural gas through joint contracts, von der Leyen said that the only way to get rid of energy dependence in the long run is to invest in renewable resources.
500 BILLION EURO BUDGET IS ALLOCATED FOR GREEN TRANSFORMATION
Von der Leyen stated that 500 billion euros of the EU long-term budget and recovery program is allocated for green transformation, and it is planned to accelerate various renewable investments such as wind, solar and green hydrogen with this resource.
Prices of energy products such as natural gas and electricity have been rising rapidly in Europe, especially since autumn. This situation disturbs consumers who face high bills during the winter months.
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